Why Safe Water Matters – Understanding the Impact on Human Well-Being

Imagine India: a land where the revered waters of the Ganges, the vibrant Holi celebrations, the rhythmic chants of the monsoon rains, and the swirling aroma of freshly brewed chai intertwine seamlessly. Water holds profound significance in the lives of all who reside here. Yet, for millions of Indians, this essential element, so deeply embedded in their culture, remains an elusive dream. The harsh reality is that millions grapple with the daily struggle of securing clean, safe drinking water. Access to safe water is not just a matter of convenience but a fundamental necessity, and this invisible crisis, often overshadowed by the dazzling cultural tapestry, has far-reaching consequences.

In this blog, we embark on a journey to unveil the intricate web that connects water quality to human well-being, examining how access to safe water empowers communities and fosters growth. Join us as we navigate this critical topic, exploring why safe water matters and its profound impact on the lives of millions in India.

Water Quality Challenges in India:

India grapples with a remarkable challenge: despite possessing a mere 4% of the world’s water resources, it is responsible for meeting the needs of 18% of the global population. This stark disparity creates an immense hurdle in ensuring access to safe drinking water for all. A poignant illustration of this struggle unfolds in the current water scarcity crisis gripping Bangalore. These already scarce water sources are also vulnerable to contamination by industrial pollutants, agricultural runoff, and microbial pathogens, adding to the severity of the situation. Consumption of such contaminated water can cause various health issues, which we will discuss below.

Health impacts of unsafe water:

Poor quality of water has a significant impact on public health. According to an article by Forbes India, every year, around 37.7 million people in India are affected by waterborne diseases, with an estimated 1.5 million children dying from diarrhoea alone. As our body comprises 90% water, consuming unsafe water has a detrimental impact on our health. The extent of the damage depends on the kind of contaminants present in the water:

• Exposure to industrial pollutants like heavy metals (such as lead, mercury, and cadmium) can lead to neurological disorders, kidney damage, and developmental issues. Prolonged exposure to these chemicals also increases the risk of cancer.
• Excessive entry of nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus into the waterways from agricultural runoff causes algal blooms. These blooms are harmful to aquatic life and humans alike, as some of the algal toxins cause liver damage, neurological disorders, and even death. Also, consumption of water contaminated with pesticides can lead to reproductive issues, organ damage, immune system suppression, and even cancer.
• Out of all these contaminants, the most common cases arise due to the consumption of water contaminated by microbial pathogens like bacteria, viruses, and protozoa, which cause diseases like cholera, typhoid fever, hepatitis, and giardiasis. These illnesses can lead to dehydration, liver inflammation, and severe diarrhoea, making the affected person very weak and even fatal.

Socio-economic impact of unsafe water:

According to a report by the United Nations, waterborne diseases in India cause a loss of 73 million working days each year, leading to an estimated economic burden of $600 million annually. Consuming safe water is the first layer of defence again stall the diseases discussed above, which leads to less medical expenditure. Also, reducing the time and effort required to source safe water can increase productivity and improve time management, allowing individuals to engage in more income-generating activities.

Imagine a world where fetching water is no longer a daily chore for women in villages across India. Instead of spending hours walking long distances or waiting in stagnant queues under the hot sun, clean water flows readily from a tap within their reach.
This seemingly simple change unlocks a cascade of positive consequences that empower individuals and their communities:

• Self-Improvement:

  With this newfound free time, women can prioritize their well-being. They can pursue long-neglected health checkups, attend fitness classes, or learn new skills like tailoring or computer literacy, enabling them to become financially independent. This newfound self-care strengthens their physical, mental, and financial health, making them better equipped to handle daily challenges.

• Investing in Children:

  Mothers can dedicate more time to their children. They can help with homework, read stories, or even start home-based learning initiatives in their communities, which fosters stronger parent-child bonds and supports academic growth.

• Community Upliftment:

  Freed from water-fetching duties, women can become active community leaders. They can advocate for improved sanitation facilities, organise workshops on hygiene practices, or even spearhead water conservation initiatives like rainwater harvesting, etc. Their leadership and experience can empower other women and create a healthier, more sustainable future for their villages.

So safe water not only affects the health but also the livelihoods and the resulting economic status of the people. Access to clean water is also crucial in reducing poverty and sometimes becomes the determining factor in lifting individuals above the poverty line.

The significance of safe water is immense when it comes to human well-being. From fostering health to enabling economic development, clean water is fundamental for thriving communities, which leads to national development. With this understanding, Amust was founded with the aim of providing access to safe water for everyone, regardless of their circumstances. But our efforts cannot succeed without your support. We urge you to join us in this vital mission by conserving water, increasing awareness, and promoting safe water practices in your local communities. Because when it comes to water, every drop counts!