Climate change and water quality: issues and adaptations

In this post, I will take a closer look at the relationship between climate change and water quality by reflecting on a paper by Heath et al. (2012): 'Testing a rapid climate change adaptation assessment for water and sanitation providers in informal settlements in three cities in sub-Saharan Africa'. Since 1990, the urban population in SSA has more than doubled, yet the proportion of people without access to improved drinking water sources (17%) and sanitation facilities (57%) has remained constant. One of  aims of the research, which looked at three case studies—Lusaka, Zambia, Naishaka, Kenya, and Antananarivo, Madagascar—was to understand the impacts of changes in temperature, mean hydrological parameters (e.g. amount or intensity of rainfall) and extreme hydrological events (e.g. flood, droughts) on the water and the sanitation technologies and services for these communities.

All three case study cities face the risk of face worse threats from floods than droughts. An increased frequency and intensity of flash floods can lead to the contamination of water supply as sewage are washed into shallow wells and exposed pipes. Flooded latrines and contaminated water increases the risk of cholera and diarrhoea. In Naivasha, Kenya, a decrease in rainfall can also cause a deterioration in water quality. Market gardening becomes impossible with less water, such that flower farms have to reduce their workforce which leads to reduced income. In turn, households are less able to pay for water and food, and water use decreases, causing hygiene levels to fall and the prevalence of diseases to increase. A decrease in the volume of Lake Naivasha can also cause water quality to deteriorate.

With regards to adapting the climate change in terms of safeguarding water quality, a mixture of infrastructural improvements, such as sealing wells and raising latrines to prevent contamination during floods, monitoring programmes and education were recommended. These need to be adequately supported by the local water utility or relevant authorities to ensure that even the poorest, who own the worst latrines, can afford the necessary upgrades.

My thoughts on the paper:

Undoubtedly, the increase in frequency of extreme rainfall events or droughts will have a negative impact on the water system. This is especially so because of the existing inadequacies in water infrastructure. The network of water kiosks, for instance, may not be extensive enough to reach every household, though concurrent improvements need to be made to the latrines if the network of kiosks were to be expanded.

Hence, I agreed with the author’s point that adapting to climate change does not need many new processes, as most of the measures can be described as good practice in flood or drought-prone areas. Moreover, the built-in resilience of the poor (impact-minimising economic strategies, social support networks) should be recognised and better harnessed with greater support, especially in terms of providing assets and resources.

Thanks for reading and till next time ~~:D