Water Pollution: A Deadly Crisis For Humans

Water pollution is a pressing global issue that claims the lives of millions annually. In 2015, water pollution was linked to 1.8 million deaths worldwide, with unsafe drinking water causing an estimated 1 million deaths each year. The primary sources of water pollution are human settlements, industrial activities, and agricultural practices, leading to contaminated water sources for billions. The impact of water pollution is far-reaching, causing diseases, hindering economic growth, and contributing to social issues such as gender inequality. With climate change and population growth, the problem is expected to worsen, underscoring the urgency of addressing water pollution to protect human health and ensure sustainable development.

Water pollution and inadequate water supply

Water pollution has multiple sources, including industrial waste, agricultural runoff, and untreated human wastewater. Pesticides, fertilizers, and toxic chemicals can contaminate water, making it dangerous for drinking, swimming, and other activities. Inadequate management of wastewater and the natural presence of chemicals in groundwater further compound the problem. This contamination leads to unsafe drinking water for hundreds of millions of people, causing an estimated 1 million deaths annually from diarrhoea alone, with children under five being particularly vulnerable.

In 2022, at least 1.7 billion people relied on drinking water sources contaminated with faeces, which poses the greatest risk to water safety. Microbiologically contaminated drinking water can transmit diseases such as cholera, dysentery, typhoid, and polio, causing approximately 505,000 diarrhoeal deaths each year. Inadequate sanitation exacerbates the problem, affecting 2.4 billion people and exposing them to water-borne illnesses.

The impact of water pollution and scarcity extends beyond health. By 2025, two-thirds of the world's population may face water shortages, leading to economic decline and food shortages. Agriculture, which accounts for 70% of freshwater use, is particularly vulnerable, and inefficient practices waste a significant portion of this precious resource. Climate change, population growth, and urbanization further strain water supply systems, and over 2 billion people already live in water-stressed countries.

Addressing these challenges requires efficient and effective water management, improved water supply and sanitation infrastructure, and better resource management. Re-using wastewater and promoting sustainable water use are essential strategies to mitigate water scarcity. Additionally, transitioning to clean energy sources can help reduce pollution-related deaths and slow climate change. Ensuring universal access to safe and affordable drinking water is not just a human right recognized by the UN but also crucial for public health, poverty reduction, and sustainable development.

Unsafe drinking water

The inadequate management of urban, industrial, and agricultural wastewater results in the contamination of drinking water sources for millions of people. This contamination can be from natural chemicals, such as arsenic and fluoride, or from human-made sources, like lead leaching from water supply components. These pollutants have severe health consequences, with an estimated one million people dying annually from diarrhoea caused by unsafe drinking water, sanitation, and poor hand hygiene.

The impact of unsafe drinking water is not limited to physical health; it also affects overall well-being. In areas where water is scarce, people may deprioritize handwashing, increasing the risk of diarrhoea and other diseases. This highlights the interconnected nature of water access, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) interventions, which are crucial for preventing waterborne illnesses.

While progress has been made towards achieving universal access to safe drinking water, the pace of change is slow. Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Target 6.1 aims to ensure "equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all" by 2030. Improved drinking water technologies, such as piped water and boreholes, increase the likelihood of providing safe drinking water. However, it is important to note that even these improved sources do not guarantee water safety, as they are not routinely tested for water quality.

The relationship between income and safe drinking water is evident, with death rates declining as countries become more affluent. This disparity is particularly notable in Sub-Saharan Africa, where unsafe water sources are prevalent due to low incomes. Addressing the global issue of unsafe drinking water requires a comprehensive approach that includes improved wastewater management, access to improved water sources, and the reduction of economic disparities to ensure equitable health outcomes.

Water contamination and sanitation

Water contamination and poor sanitation are pressing global issues that have severe health, economic, and social implications. While access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene is a basic human need and a recognised human right, billions of people worldwide still lack this access. This disparity is further exacerbated by factors such as rapid population growth, urbanisation, and increasing water demands from various sectors.

In 2022, approximately 6 billion people used safely managed drinking water services, which are defined as improved water sources located on premises and free from contamination. However, 2.2 billion people still lacked these essential services. Of these, 1.5 billion had only basic services, 292 million had limited services, 296 million relied on unprotected wells and springs, and a staggering 115 million were forced to collect untreated surface water. This inequality is not solely a matter of access but also of water quality and safety.

The inadequate management of urban, industrial, and agricultural wastewater has resulted in dangerously contaminated drinking water for hundreds of millions of people. This contamination can be attributed to various factors, including natural chemical presence, such as arsenic and fluoride in groundwater, and leaching of chemicals like lead from water supply components. In 2022, at least 1.7 billion people used a drinking water source contaminated with faeces, posing significant health risks.

The health consequences of water contamination and poor sanitation are dire. Diseases such as cholera, dysentery, typhoid fever, polio, and diarrhoea are commonly transmitted through unsafe water and inadequate sanitation. Diarrhoea alone is estimated to cause approximately 505,000 deaths each year, with 395,000 of these being children under five years old. Additionally, water-related diseases like malaria and schistosomiasis contribute to the global health burden, with the latter affecting over 251 million people in 2021.

The impact of water contamination and poor sanitation extends beyond health. The lack of access to safe drinking water, sanitation, and hygiene perpetuates the cycle of poverty and hinders economic growth. It contributes to economic losses, with illnesses and deaths causing an economic toll of $4.6 trillion in 2019 worldwide and $600 billion annually in the United States alone. Furthermore, inadequate water and sanitation services in healthcare facilities put patients and staff at an increased risk of infection and disease, further straining healthcare systems.

Industrial and agricultural activities

Industrial activities contribute to water pollution through the discharge of untreated or poorly treated wastewater into natural water bodies. Many industries use large quantities of water in their processes and often release wastewater containing harmful chemicals, heavy metals, and toxic substances. These pollutants can contaminate drinking water sources, leading to severe health risks for humans. For example, the release of mercury and other heavy metals from industrial processes can accumulate in aquatic ecosystems and eventually find their way into the food chain, causing neurological and developmental issues in humans who consume contaminated fish and other aquatic organisms.

Agricultural activities also play a significant role in water pollution. The excessive use of pesticides, fertilizers, and manure in agriculture can lead to the contamination of water sources. These chemicals can runoff from fields into nearby rivers, lakes, and groundwater, posing health risks to humans and aquatic life. Pesticides, for instance, can be toxic to humans, causing neurological and respiratory problems, skin irritation, and even cancer. Additionally, fertilizers can contribute to the over-enrichment of water bodies, leading to harmful algal blooms that produce toxins affecting both human and aquatic health.

Another concern is the discharge of untreated or partially treated sewage into water bodies, which is often a result of inadequate sanitation infrastructure and poor wastewater treatment practices. This can lead to the spread of waterborne diseases, such as

Water-stressed countries

Water stress is the ratio of water demand to renewable supply, with the smaller the gap between supply and demand, the more vulnerable a place is to water shortages. In 2021, over 2 billion people lived in water-stressed countries, a number that has risen to 2.4 billion in 2024. This number is expected to increase dramatically in the years to come, with two-thirds of the global population expected to face water stress by 2025.

Water stress jeopardizes people's lives, jobs, food and energy security. Water is essential for growing crops, raising livestock, producing electricity, maintaining human health, and meeting climate goals. Poor water management, population growth, economic development, and climate change are all factors that worsen water stress.

The Middle East and North Africa are the most water-stressed regions, with 83% of the population exposed to extremely high water stress. By 2050, 100% of the population in these regions is projected to live with extremely high water stress. The five most water-stressed countries are Bahrain, Cyprus, Kuwait, Lebanon, and Oman, with Qatar also facing extremely high water stress. These countries are characterized by low supply and high demand for domestic, agricultural, and industrial use.

Other water-stressed countries include Israel, Jordan, Libya, and Iran. Israel has faced severe climate change and droughts, with its water sources at 100-year lows. Jordan experiences limited water supply, with major cities receiving running water for only 12 to 24 hours per week. Inefficient agricultural practices, population growth, and water misuse have contributed to water stress in Jordan and Iran.

While most countries in Sub-Saharan Africa are not extremely water-stressed currently, demand is growing faster in this region than anywhere else in the world. By 2050, water demand in Sub-Saharan Africa is expected to increase by 163%.

Water stress has significant implications for public health, economic growth, and poverty reduction. Unsafe drinking water is estimated to cause approximately 505,000 diarrhoeal deaths each year, with 395,000 of these being children under 5 years old. However, it is important to note that since 2000, deaths from unsafe drinking water have decreased.

Addressing water stress requires intervention such as investment in water infrastructure, better water governance, and improved water management.

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