Fresh water is the basis of life on earth for every being. But how can one sustain life when drinking water is contaminated? This is exactly what’s been happening in South Africa for the past few years. Countermeasures from scientists and citizens are slowly eradicating this pressing problem in multiple states. We created this article so you can learn about water quality in South Africa.
The Major Problem Causing Water Contamination
As per audit report almost 46% of drinking water in South Africa is no longer safe for consumption. The same report mentioned that 67% of treatment works are about to break down. Amidst this life threatening situation South Africa needs an effective, urgent and practical solution.
South Africa;s population has been on the rise in the past decade. This means people are competing for scarce water resources for drinking, breathing and other activities. However, due to poor waste management the freshwater is easily contaminated. Sewage leaks are becoming a major cause of the polluting fresh water in the community. People living in densely crowded areas must follow rules or systems to manage plastic and other waste.
Industrial waste dumped in the rivers is not helping the situation either. These chemicals released by factories can mix with the city’s water supply, causing multiple problems. Moreover, agricultural facilities are normalising the use of fertilisers, which is indirectly impacting water quality. This rise of chemical fertilisers is also causing deforestation, further polluting the fresh drinking water in South Africa.
The Solutions
The Department of Sanitation and Water Supply is constantly working to improve water quality in South Africa. The water is treated with chlorine to eradicate most of these germs and chemicals, making it safe to drink. However, not all regions have these facilities, and tap water is still predominantly unsafe. Even after traces of chlorine are in the water, it can still cause stomach issues and digestion problems. This is why water filters South Africa are a must-have in every household.
Such filters use a process called electroabsorption which attracts and removes microscopic things. You can install these without any professional help or drilling as these are designed with premium quality, 100% recyclable materials.These high quality filters are easy to install and provide safe and good quality drinking water.
Effects of Low Water Quality
A major concern is microscopic pathogens that can disrupt gut health and cause immunity issues. These pathogens may be viruses, bacteria, and small animals like worms. These live inside the intestines of other animals and are highly contagious, causing stomach aches, leg pains, and digestive issues. Drinking this contaminated water can be fatal for infants or pregnant women and can even lead to death. Common problems include diseases like cholera, hepatitis A, typhoid, vomiting, diarrhoea, and polio.
South Africa’s water quality is becoming a major concern for people here. Low-quality water contains chemical components that are fatal if they enter the human body. The best solution is to be aware of the auditing process from the water sanitisation department. Additionally, installing filters can help you take charge of your freshwater needs.
