Water Pollution: Communities At Risk And Action Needed

Water pollution is a pressing issue that affects communities worldwide, with unsafe water causing more deaths annually than war and all other forms of violence combined. The lack of access to clean drinking water is a significant concern, with 2.1 billion people worldwide lacking this basic necessity, putting their lives at risk daily. This problem disproportionately impacts low-income communities, who are often closest to the most polluting industries and are forced to drink contaminated water, exposing themselves to harmful bacteria and diseases. Climate change, population growth, and inadequate water infrastructure further exacerbate water scarcity, with regions like the Middle East and North Africa facing extreme water stress. Countries like Somalia, Ethiopia, Uganda, Papua New Guinea, and Eritrea have a significant proportion of their populations lacking access to basic water services due to insufficient infrastructure, poor hygiene awareness, and natural disasters.

Communities in countries with poor water infrastructure, such as Somalia, Ethiopia, Uganda, Papua New Guinea, and Eritrea

Access to clean water is a human right, yet in many countries, this basic necessity is not guaranteed. Somalia, Ethiopia, Uganda, Papua New Guinea, and Eritrea are examples of nations with poor water infrastructure, where communities are severely affected by water pollution and dumping.

Somalia

Somalia's water sector faces numerous challenges, including a lack of sustainable development of transboundary river basins, insufficient data and information management, and inadequate resources for implementing water management plans. The civil war destroyed most of the country's water systems, and the lack of a documented system of roles and responsibilities has further hindered progress. As a result, more than 50% of the population does not have access to improved water sources, leading to an increased spread of water-borne diseases. The high prices of water, often exceeding $1 per cubic meter, and the long distances to water sources are particularly problematic for poor families and women, who are primarily responsible for water collection.

Ethiopia

Ethiopia, one of the poorest countries in the world, faces significant water-related challenges. Only 24% of the population has access to drinking water, and just 13% have basic sanitation services. The situation is even worse in rural areas, where the majority of the population resides. Women and girls bear the brunt of water collection, travelling long distances and sacrificing educational and community participation opportunities. The lack of access to clean water and sanitation contributes to health issues, with hundreds falling ill and dying daily from contaminated water.

Uganda

Uganda's water and sanitation crisis affects 81% of its population, or 38 million people, who lack access to safe water. The rapid population growth and movement from rural to urban areas have put immense pressure on water and sanitation services. Additionally, the cost of accessing water from vendors can be as high as 22% of a family's income, perpetuating the cycle of poverty. While the Ugandan government aims to achieve universal access to safe water and improved sanitation by 2030, the current situation remains critical.

Papua New Guinea

In Papua New Guinea, only 40% of the population has access to safe drinking water, one of the lowest rates in the Pacific Islands. Women and girls are typically responsible for water collection, walking long distances and navigating challenging terrain to reach water sources. The lack of access to clean water and proper sanitation facilities poses a constant challenge for essential services, such as healthcare. The Bialla Health Center, for example, often experiences water shortages, and the lack of toilets presents a significant health and safety risk for patients and staff.

Eritrea

While Eritrea has made substantial progress in providing water and sanitation access, with over 50% of communities achieving open defecation-free status, challenges remain. The country is committed to implementing the One WASH Strategy and Investment Plan to ensure the availability of adequate WASH services for all its citizens by 2030. UNICEF has been a key partner in this endeavour, working to build and rehabilitate water supply systems and promote positive behaviour changes to improve hygiene practices.

Populations in water-stressed regions, including the Middle East and North Africa, where 83% of people are exposed to extremely high water stress

Populations in water-stressed regions, including the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), are among the most vulnerable to the impacts of water pollution and dumping. This region is home to 6.3% of the world's population but contains only 1.4% of the world's renewable freshwater. As a result, MENA is the most water-scarce region globally, with 83% of its population exposed to extremely high water stress.

The combination of low water supply and high demand has pushed countries in the region into extreme stress. The issue is further exacerbated by factors such as population growth, agricultural practices, and the impact of climate change. The World Bank estimates that the MENA region will suffer the greatest economic losses from climate-related water scarcity, with a projected loss of 6-14% of GDP by 2050.

The consequences of water stress in the region are significant. It jeopardizes human health, food production, and economic development. Water stress can lead to food insecurity, conflict, migration, and financial instability. By 2050, the World Resources Institute predicts that 100% of the MENA population will live with extremely high water stress, posing challenges to political stability.

To address water scarcity, countries in the region are adopting new strategies, including increasing supply through desalination and wastewater treatment, and managing demand through improved water management and conservation practices. However, the options available to countries may vary due to economic constraints and local conditions.

The situation in the MENA region highlights the urgent need for sustainable water management and cooperation among countries to ensure access to this essential resource. Without intervention, population growth, economic development, and climate change will further worsen water stress, impacting the lives and livelihoods of millions.

Low-income communities, which are often located closest to the most polluting industries

Unsafe water kills more people each year than war and other forms of violence combined. Low-income communities are disproportionately at risk because their homes are often located closest to the most polluting industries.

In the United States, for example, people of colour and low-income communities are more likely to be exposed to contaminated drinking water. A study by the University of Arizona in Tucson and King's College London found that, between 2013 and 2017, around 1.1 million people in the US had insecure water access. Almost half of these people lived in the country's 50 largest metropolitan areas.

In Flint, Michigan, a cost-cutting measure and ageing water infrastructure led to a lead contamination crisis. Sixty per cent of Flint's residents are African American, and 40 per cent live below the poverty line.

In another example, in the Navajo Nation, 30 per cent of people are without piped water. More than 70 per cent of water sources used for domestic purposes were found to be contaminated with bacteria and 12 per cent had arsenic levels above the maximum contaminant level.

Low-income communities are also more likely to be affected by water scarcity, which occurs when demand for safe, usable water in a given area exceeds supply. This can be due to a shortage of rainfall or a lack of adequate water storage and sanitation facilities.

Communities in countries with insufficient water treatment facilities, such as the United States

Water pollution and insufficient water treatment facilities have a disproportionate impact on low-income communities and countries. Globally, it is estimated that 2.1 billion people lack access to safe drinking water, and contaminated water is linked to 1.8 million deaths annually.

In the United States, while there are regulations in place to ensure water quality, such as the Clean Water Act and the Safe Drinking Water Act, the country still faces challenges due to insufficient or ageing water treatment infrastructure. Communities in the United States, particularly in rural areas, may struggle with water shortages and water pollution from various sources.

Agricultural pollution is a significant issue in the United States, as it is the top source of contamination in rivers and streams and a major contributor to wetland and groundwater contamination. The use of pesticides, fertilisers, and animal waste in farming can lead to nutrient pollution, which causes toxic algal blooms and harms both human and aquatic life. Additionally, runoff from storms and impermeable surfaces can carry pollutants such as road salts, oil, grease, and chemicals into waterways, further degrading water quality.

The United States also faces challenges with its sewage and wastewater treatment systems. While wastewater treatment facilities process billions of gallons of wastewater daily, these systems can become overwhelmed, releasing untreated wastewater into waterways. This can result in the spread of harmful pathogens and waterborne diseases such as Legionnaires' disease.

Furthermore, communities in the United States, particularly in drought-prone regions, may experience water scarcity due to insufficient water treatment and distribution infrastructure. This can lead to prolonged water stress, affecting public health, economic development, and even sparking conflicts. For example, cities like Flint, Michigan, and Newark, New Jersey, have experienced water crises due to outdated infrastructure and population growth.

To address these issues, innovative and sustainable practices are needed to improve water management and treatment infrastructure. This includes investing in green infrastructure, wastewater recycling, and smarter agriculture. By implementing these measures, communities in the United States can improve their water security and reduce the impact of water pollution on their residents.

Communities affected by conflict, such as Gaza, where basic services and infrastructure have been destroyed

Before the current crisis, Gazans primarily relied on the Coastal Aquifer Basin for their water supply. However, this water source is brackish and contaminated due to seawater intrusion, overextraction, and sewage and chemical infiltration. The conflict has further exacerbated the situation, with Israeli restrictions and damage to infrastructure leading to a 94% to 95% drop in water access. As a result, Gazans are forced to resort to drinking salty and contaminated water, putting their health at serious risk.

The lack of clean water and proper sanitation has led to the spread of waterborne illnesses and diseases, including cholera, typhoid, and diarrhea. The overcrowding in southern Gaza, due to population displacement, has further contributed to the spread of these diseases. The destruction of wastewater treatment plants and sewage pumping stations has resulted in untreated wastewater overflowing into the streets, seas, and agricultural areas, causing additional health and environmental risks.

The health crisis in Gaza is not limited to the region but has the potential to spread across borders through sewage and water systems. With tens of millions of gallons of raw sewage being discharged into the Mediterranean Sea, there are renewed pollution threats to the intake of desalination plants in Israel. Additionally, the destruction of water infrastructure in conflict zones can pose greater health risks than the violence itself, as seen in the cholera outbreak in Iraq in 2015 that spread to neighboring countries.

The reconstruction of Gaza's water systems and infrastructure will be a complex and challenging process. Financial constraints, import restrictions, lengthy approval processes, and the ongoing conflict will hinder reconstruction efforts. However, it is imperative to support resilient water systems and infrastructure to meet the needs of civilians in times of crisis and prevent the collapse of the Coastal Aquifer. This requires increased funding, agreements enabling the import of critical supplies, and a focus on improving the delivery of safe water services to conflict-affected communities.

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