Waterborne diseases and water supply

For good health continuous access to a safe water supply is mandatory. Sometimes, supplied water contains dirt and other impurities that is not drinkable. In most tested cases, drinking water is not up to the mark.

Well, pure water means purified water, that is water from a source that has removed all impurities. Distilled water is the most common form of pure water. Drinking water should be colorless, odorless, devoid of any harmful microorganisms, it should be free from suspended impurities, it should contain some minerals and salts, necessary for our body. According to World Health Organisation (WHO), it is a big challenge to ensure safe drinking water everywhere, for everyone, though it is their right.

Safe drinking water and safe water for cooking, bathing and other cleanliness is very important to maintain a healthy life. We are all aware of water-borne diseases. Just for remembrance Diarrhea, Dysentery, Cholera, Amebiasis, Typhoid, Hepatitis A and E are very common diseases that can occur through contaminated water. In a broader sense, Waterborne diseases are conditions caused by pathogenic micro-organisms that are transmitted in water. The disease can be spread while bathing, washing, or drinking water, or by eating food exposed to contaminated water.

WHO says that every year, more than 3.4 million people die as a result of water-related diseases, making it the leading cause of disease and death around the world. "Safe water, effective sanitation, and hygiene are critical to the health of every child and every community – and thus are essential to building stronger, healthier, and more equitable societies," said UNICEF Executive.

Once Bangladesh had a big challenge of safe drinking water for all but later tubewell water solved that problem. But unfortunately in some areas tube well water contains Arsenic and producing arsenicosis.

Treating surface water by filtration and through the chemical process can be made safe enough. To make supplied water more safe boil it for twenty minutes and then filter it before consumption. If boiling is not possible water purifying tablets may be used. In our country bottled waters are also not always safe, so we are to be cautious about that.

Drinking water must be safe enough and to be ensured by the respective authority and supply to be maintained constantly. Take care and have good health.

The author is a Professor of Paediatrics at Community Based Medical College, Mymensingh.
E-mail: mmukkhan@gmail.com