Water Pollution: Reducing The Impact In Poor Countries

Water pollution is a pressing issue in poor countries, threatening health, economic growth, and food security. Poor water quality is linked to various diseases, including cholera, diarrhoea, dysentery, and typhoid, causing approximately 505,000 diarrhoeal deaths annually. By 2025, 1.8 billion people will face absolute water scarcity, and two-thirds of the global population will grapple with water stress. This crisis is fuelled by climate change, urbanization, population growth, pollution, and land development. To reduce water pollution in poor countries, urgent actions are required, including improved wastewater treatment, adoption of unconventional water sources, and better management of existing water resources.

Improve water quality monitoring and management

Water quality monitoring and management are essential components of ensuring access to safe and sustainable water resources. Here are several strategies and actions that can be implemented to improve water quality monitoring and management, especially in poor countries:

Encourage data sharing and transparency: Reliable and accurate data on water quality is crucial for effective monitoring and management. Governments and organizations should prioritize data collection and sharing through advanced technologies such as monitoring stations, remote sensing, and machine learning. This data transparency will enable communities, scientists, and policymakers to identify problems, develop solutions, and make informed decisions.

Strengthen regulations and enforcement: Well-designed and effectively enforced regulations are critical to maintaining water quality standards. Governments should establish stringent guidelines for firms and individuals, addressing issues such as wastewater treatment, pollution control, and protection of water sources. These regulations should be consistently implemented and enforced to ensure compliance and deter water quality violations.

Invest in wastewater treatment infrastructure: Wastewater treatment plays a vital role in removing pollution and debris from water sources. Investing in wastewater treatment infrastructure is a long-term investment in the health, food security, and economic growth of a country. Governments should provide incentives for private investment in wastewater treatment facilities and ensure proper maintenance and operation.

Promote community involvement: Water quality management should involve the active participation of local communities. Educating and engaging communities in water quality monitoring and protection can lead to more sustainable practices and stewardship of water resources. Communities can help identify pollution sources, implement solutions, and advocate for policy changes to improve water quality.

Improve international cooperation: Transboundary rivers and shared water resources require cooperative management frameworks. Countries should work together to establish agreements and policies that protect and manage shared water sources. International collaboration can also facilitate the exchange of best practices, technologies, and resources to address water quality challenges globally.

Focus on agricultural practices: Agriculture is a major user of water resources and can significantly impact water quality. Implementing sustainable agricultural practices, such as precision farming, conservation tillage, and efficient irrigation techniques, can help reduce water consumption and minimize pollution from agricultural runoff.

By implementing these strategies and prioritizing water quality monitoring and management, poor countries can improve access to safe and sustainable water resources, contributing to better health, economic development, and environmental sustainability.

Implement regulations and standards for water safety

The World Bank's report, "Quality Unknown: The Invisible Water Crisis", highlights the urgent need to address water quality issues, which are not unique to developing countries but are universal. The report calls for global, national, and local-level attention to these dangers, recommending a set of actions that include environmental policies and standards, accurate monitoring, effective enforcement, and water treatment infrastructure.

To implement effective regulations and standards for water safety, the following steps can be taken:

• Develop comprehensive environmental policies and standards: Governments should establish clear and stringent policies and standards that address water pollution sources, such as agricultural runoff, industrial discharge, and sewage. These policies should aim to reduce the release of pollutants and protect water sources.
• Accurate monitoring of pollution loads: Regular and rigorous monitoring of water quality is essential. By measuring levels of contaminants like nitrogen, salinity, bacteria, and plastics, governments can identify problem areas and track the effectiveness of pollution control measures.
• Effective enforcement of regulations: Strong enforcement mechanisms are critical to ensuring compliance with water safety regulations. This includes regular inspections, strict penalties for violations, and a transparent reporting system for pollution incidents.
• Invest in water treatment infrastructure: Treating wastewater is crucial for removing pollution and debris, and it is a vital investment for a country's health, food security, and economy. Governments should provide incentives for private investment in wastewater treatment facilities and technologies.
• Community engagement and education: Educating communities about the importance of water safety and providing reliable information can lead to behaviour changes that reduce water pollution. Involving communities in decision-making processes and management of local water sources can also foster a sense of collective responsibility.
• International cooperation: Water pollution is a global issue, and countries can benefit from sharing best practices, technologies, and resources. International agreements and collaborations can help address transboundary water issues and promote the transfer of knowledge and resources to improve water safety standards worldwide.
• Strict standards for industrial and agricultural practices: Industries and agricultural operations should be held to high standards regarding waste disposal and pollution control. Regulations should be put in place to limit the discharge of pollutants into water bodies, with strict consequences for non-compliance.
• Incentivize sustainable practices: Governments can provide incentives for businesses and individuals to adopt sustainable practices that reduce water pollution, such as offering subsidies for eco-friendly technologies or implementing tax breaks for companies that meet certain environmental standards.
• Protect and restore water-related ecosystems: Ecosystems like wetlands and riparian zones play a crucial role in filtering and purifying water. Governments should prioritize the conservation and restoration of these natural systems, recognizing their essential role in maintaining water quality.
• Regular review and adaptation of policies: Water safety regulations should be dynamic and responsive to new scientific findings and changing environmental conditions. Governments should periodically review and update their policies to incorporate the latest knowledge and address emerging challenges, such as climate change impacts on water resources.

Increase access to clean water and sanitation facilities

Access to clean water and sanitation facilities is a basic human right, recognised by the United Nations General Assembly in 2010. However, this right is not being met for billions of people, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.

Impact of inadequate water and sanitation access

The lack of clean water and sanitation facilities has far-reaching consequences, including impacts on health, education, gender equality, and economic development.

#### Health

Waterborne diseases, such as cholera, diarrhoea, dysentery, and typhoid, are transmitted through contaminated water and poor sanitation. These illnesses contribute to high mortality rates, particularly among children under five. In addition, inadequate water and sanitation services in healthcare facilities put patients and staff at an increased risk of infection and disease.

#### Education

Limited access to clean water and sanitation facilities can hinder school attendance, especially for girls. The absence of private and clean sanitation facilities in schools can make managing menstruation difficult, impacting girls' education and future opportunities.

#### Gender Equality

The burden of collecting water and the lack of access to sanitation facilities during menstruation disproportionately affect women and girls. They are often responsible for household tasks, including water collection, which can expose them to physical safety risks and limit their time for education and economic activities.

Strategies to increase access

#### Water infrastructure

• Groundwater sources: Historically, groundwater aquifers have been a significant source of freshwater for drinking and sanitation. However, overuse, longer dry seasons, and droughts have led to the depletion of these sources.
• Wastewater reuse: Wastewater can be a potential solution to water stress. It can be treated and reused, providing a source of water for various purposes. However, concerns about contamination, microplastics, and antimicrobial drugs have hindered its reuse.
• Desalination: Removing salt from saltwater to produce drinking water is another option. Desalination plants currently provide drinking water to 300 million people worldwide, but they require significant investment and contribute to global warming due to the fossil fuels used in the process.
• Rainwater harvesting: Communities in rural areas are utilising rainwater collection systems, such as rooftop drainage and fog-trapping mesh systems, to address water scarcity.
• Unconventional sources: Some countries are experimenting with cloud seeding, a technique that induces rain or snow by sowing clouds with silver iodide.

#### Sanitation infrastructure

• Sanitation facilities: To ensure privacy and dignity, especially for women and girls, it is essential to provide clean, private sanitation facilities, such as toilets and latrines, in communities and schools.
• Wastewater treatment: Investing in wastewater treatment infrastructure is crucial for removing pollution and debris, improving water quality, and ensuring a country's health, food security, and economic growth.

Benefits of increased access

#### Health improvements

Access to clean water and improved sanitation can help prevent waterborne diseases, reduce the global disease burden, and improve overall health outcomes, especially for vulnerable populations.

#### Economic growth

Improved water supply and sanitation contribute to economic growth by reducing healthcare costs associated with waterborne illnesses and increasing economic productivity by freeing up time spent on water collection for more productive activities.

#### Food security

Clean water is essential for food production and agriculture. Improving water access and quality can enhance food security and reduce water use in agriculture, especially in drought-prone areas.

#### Social and educational development

Increased access to clean water and sanitation facilities can improve school attendance, particularly for girls, and promote better educational outcomes, contributing to long-term social and economic development.

Address pollution from agriculture and industry

Agriculture is a major user of water, consuming about 70% of the world's accessible freshwater. It is also a significant source of water pollution. When chemical fertilisers and animal manure are applied to fields, they can be washed into waterways during rain or snowmelt and can leach into groundwater over time. This excess nitrogen and phosphorus can cause eutrophication of water bodies, leading to hypoxia and "dead zones" that kill fish and decrease aquatic life.

To address pollution from agriculture, farmers can adopt several nutrient management techniques. These include applying fertilisers in the proper amount, at the right time of year, and with the right method and placement. Using manure instead of fertiliser can also help, increasing soil productivity in the long run. Farmers can also ensure year-round ground cover by planting cover crops or perennial species to prevent periods of bare ground when the soil is most susceptible to erosion and nutrient loss into waterways.

Another way to prevent nutrient runoff is to plant trees, shrubs, and grasses along the edges of fields, especially those bordering bodies of water. These conservation buffers can help absorb or filter out nutrients before they reach the water. Implementing conservation tillage by reducing how often and how intensely fields are tilled can also improve soil health, reduce erosion, and decrease the chance of nutrients reaching waterways.

Controlling livestock access to waterways is another important strategy. Installing fences along streams, rivers, and lakes can help restore stream banks and prevent excess nutrients from entering the water. Additionally, farmers can engage in watershed efforts by collaborating with a wide range of stakeholders and organisations to reduce nutrient pollution.

Industry is another major contributor to water pollution due to the scale of production and the types of waste generated, such as solid waste, toxic or hazardous waste, and chemical waste. To address industrial water pollution, several strategies can be implemented:

• Wastewater treatment systems: Effective water treatment systems are crucial for removing pollutants from industrial wastewater before releasing it into the environment. Treated wastewater can also be reused instead of discharged.
• Green chemistry: Businesses can explore alternative processes that do not involve harsh chemicals or harmful byproducts. Using natural, biodegradable, and recyclable products can reduce a company's environmental impact.
• Eco-audits: Conducting systematic environmental audits can help companies identify sources of pollution and their impact on water sources. This enables businesses to tailor solutions and ensure compliance with regulations.
• Collaboration: Engaging with stakeholders, NGOs, suppliers, clients, and staff can highlight the importance of reducing the company's environmental footprint and promote collaboration towards more sustainable practices.

Promote wastewater treatment and reuse

Wastewater treatment and reuse is a crucial aspect of reducing water pollution in poor countries. Here are some measures that can be taken to promote wastewater treatment and reuse:

Government Initiatives:

• Governments should recognize the value of wastewater as a sustainable and affordable source of water, energy, and nutrients. By investing in wastewater treatment infrastructure, they can improve public health, environmental sustainability, and economic development.
• Formulating a National Strategy for Wastewater Management and Reuse, such as the one implemented in Bolivia, can help address water pollution and public health issues caused by inadequate wastewater treatment.
• Strengthening policies, institutions, regulations, and financing frameworks related to wastewater management is essential. This includes allocating funds for operation and maintenance to ensure the sustainability of wastewater treatment facilities.

Public-Private Partnerships:

• Cross-sectoral and multi-stakeholder collaboration is vital. National and municipal governments, water utilities, and development partners should work together to incorporate circular economy principles into the design and operation of wastewater treatment plants.
• Development banks and organizations like the World Bank and the Global Water Security & Sanitation Partnership (GWSP) can provide technical and financial assistance to improve wastewater management and promote reuse.

Technological Advancements:

• Investing in innovative technologies for wastewater treatment, such as advanced filtration systems and disinfection processes, can improve the quality of treated water and make it safer for reuse.
• Implementing wastewater treatment technologies that recover resources, such as biogas, heat, and electricity, can generate additional revenue streams and promote a circular economy.

Public Awareness and Education:

• Increasing public awareness about the importance of wastewater treatment and its associated costs can help gain support for necessary investments and promote responsible water use.
• Educating the public about the health risks associated with untreated wastewater, especially in agriculture, is crucial to encourage safe reuse practices and reduce waterborne illnesses.

Non-Conventional Approaches:

• Considering non-conventional sanitation arrangements, such as off-sewage network solutions and fecal sludge management, can be explored to complement conventional wastewater collection and treatment methods.
• Promoting decentralized wastewater treatment options, such as on-site sanitation systems (septic tanks and pit latrines), can be a viable solution in areas with limited centralized infrastructure.

Frequently asked questions