Water and Sanitation
Waterborne Disease in Developing Countries
-Water sources are often highly contaminated and used with little or no treatment
-Transport and storage of water in the home may result in degradation of water quality
-Faecal pathogens are transmitted by multiple routes due to poor sanitation, food hygiene and personal hygiene.
-In many areas, both inadequate water quality and water quantity contribute to waterborne disease
-Traditional bacterial indicators of microbiological water quality may not be appropriate for tropical source waters because of higher temperature and nutrient loads.
Sources of water
Surface
Ground
Desalination
Rainwater harvesting
Waterborne Diseases
Water-borne Diseases
Diseases transmitted through contaminated water.
Types of water affected:
Drinking Water
Recreational Water
- Beaches
- Spas
- Swimming Pools
Health Outcomes from Waterborne Pathogens
GI tract infections
Infections in other organs or systemic illness: hepatitis, conjunctivitis, aseptic meningitis, respiratory infections, hemolytic uremic syndrome, myocarditis, diabetes, peptic and duodenal ulcers, stomach cancer, reactive arthritis, Guillain-Barre syndrome
Toxins
Prevention and Control
Bradley’s classification of water-related diseases
Control strategy depends on transmission route
In contrast to many interventions that target a single disease, improved water supplies can prevent infections from a variety of pathogens simultaneously.
Individual Treatment
Use Bleach:
4 drops or ¼ teaspoon of bleach to 1 gal water
4 Tablespoons to 400 – 500 gals of water Or
Boil Water
Allow it to boil for 5 – 7 minutes
after the first bubbles appear
Chlorine compounds
Gas
Liquid
Powder
Tablets
Ozone
Ultraviolet disinfection
Point of use treatment
- filters
HandWashing
Bacteria is picked up by touching all kinds of surfaces (i.e.door knobs, raw foods, and garbage bins)
Contamination can be prevented by proper hand washing & sanitizing, and the use of gloves