Even though, water is a simple transparent chemical element with no color or taste, it is the most transformative chemical element with distinctive characteristics on the Earth.

HOW DOES IT BENEFIT HUMANS?

• It is the source of life as 65-70% of the human body is water.
• It is the main substance that helps the body to absorb nutrients.
• It changes along with the body temperature.
• It helps to remove the toxins out of the body.

QUALITY OF DRINKING WATER AND HEALTH

In terms of health, the quality of drinking water is determined by the amount of minerals contained in the water. They should be at suitable level for human consumption and not pose any health risks.

In developing countries, about 80% of the diseases and one-third of the deaths are caused by unsafe water consumption.

WHAT IS WATER CONTAMINATION?

Water contamination means the natural condition of water is changed to a harmful state due to different kind of substances mixed in the water. Water can be contaminated by organic and mineral substances.

Biological contaminators: pathogens, bacteria, parasites, and viruses.

Chemical contaminators: nitrite, lead, mica, and radioactive compounds.

HOW WATER IS CONTAMINATED IN THE HOUSEHOLD?

• Contamination can be caused by poor hygiene of water containers /dirty containers/
• Not having a designated water scoop /not washing hands before using water or cooking/
• Unsafe water source /lack of protection zones around the water source area resulted in pollution caused by excrements of livestock, animals and humans/
• During transportation of water /dirt and toxins get into the water when it is handled in a container without lid/
• Storing water for a prolonged period
• Poor standards of household amenities, such as latrine, wastewater disposal hole and general waste disposal

SIMPLE METHODS TO TREAT WATER AT HOME:

• Filter water using cotton or linen with fine threads removing insects, sediments and hard substances
• Boiling water /all the pathogens are removed when the water is boiled/
• Treating water under the sun - most of the pathogen and bacteria will be completely removed when the water is poured in a glass container with a lid and kept under the sun around noon

PROPER WATER CONSUMPTION PRACTICE

• Consume only boiled water.
• Do not consume raw water.
• Pay special care and attention when handling and storing water at home.
• Water containers must be easy to clean with big rim.
• The container must be fully emptied and cleaned with a brush at least once a week.
• Drinking water stored at room temperature must be consumed within three days.
• Members of the household should avoid dipping dirty hands or dirty scoop in the water.
• Keep the water container away from pets.
• Disposing of wastewater in the designated hole.
• Get the drinking water from a safe place.

If you can do these simple steps in your everyday life, you can prevent yourself from diseases and be healthy.

WATER IS A LIFE-SUSTAINING TREASURE

Source:

Songinokhairkhan District Health Center

http://shdemt.ub.gov.mn/new/?p=1516

Translated and contributed by MCA-Mongolia Finance Team.