Safe water for life
WATER for drinking must be colourless and odourless and should be free from any contamination, such as pathogens and even other chemical substances that may be deleterious to health.
Human beings depend on safe water for their survival. It is essential for life and well-being. About 50–70 per cent of water is required for normal metabolism processes such as converting food into energy.
These include the removal of human waste by perspiration, urination, and bowel movement, which helps regulate body temperature and protect sensitive tissues. People may stay hydrated by drinking eight glasses of water per day, depending on the type of work they do and their physical environment.
Water is derived from many sources such as springs, surface run of water, rivers, creeks seawater (desalination), and also by recycling. The major source of water is rainfall. In the rainy season, the quality of drinking water is affected due to sedimentation or high turbidity, which affects the quality even though the water is chlorinated.
The level of chlorine may vary due to the sources and quality of the water, which may enhance the health and safety of people. There is an increase in cases of water-borne diseases after heavy rain, which include diarrhoea, dysentery, typhoid, infectious hepatitis, and polio.
These diseases are caused by bacteria, viruses, and protozoa acting as internal parasites. Lack of clean water, sanitation, and observation of hygiene practices (WASH) are major causes of all waterborne diseases in Fiji and elsewhere. Ninety-five per cent of Fiji’s population has safe drinking water, whereas in towns and cities, 78 per cent of the urban population enjoys chlorinated drinking water. In addition, the majority of towns have water-borne, reticulated sewerage systems.
The Water Authority of Fiji (commercial statutory authority) is responsible for ensuring that piped water supply is provided to every household in the country. Most of the urban population receives a chlorinated water supply. Most of the cases in Fiji are reported during the wet season, as the apparent high turbidity in treated water reduces the efficacy of chlorine doze.
The United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) target 6.1 calls for universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water. According to the WHO (2021), 2 billion people live in water-stressed countries, and this is expected to worsen because of climate change and population growth.
In addition, globally, 1.7 billion people use water sources contaminated with human faeces. Six billion people had access to a safely managed drinking water service. There are sharp inequalities in safe water supply and distribution in rural and urban areas. Fiji’s 2013 Constitution, sections 35 and 38, respectively, have provisions for good sanitation and health rights. However, a few non-governmental organisations in Fiji are also supporting clean water and education for children and adults in rural communities. Among them are the Fiji Water Foundation, the Rotary Pacific Water for Life Foundation, and Live and Learn.
The Ministry of Health, through the local health authorities, is required to ensure clean water is supplied to all the communities and is free from impurities. Under section 120 of Public Health Cap 111, it is required to provide proper and wholesome water supply to any building intended to be used for human habilitation to the satisfaction of the local authority.
The authorities are empowered to manage water resources and drinking water supplies. It is done by taking water samples from taps and reservoirs on regular periods.
The samples are sent to laboratories for bacteriological counts and chemical analysis.
This may include catchment inspection and authorisation of activities in the catchment area that may have an impact on source water quality. It can also include verifying and auditing (surveillance) the management of communal drinking-water systems.
It will also give specific guidance to communities or individuals in designing and implementing community and household drinking water. However, during heavy downpours, the amount of chlorine added to the water may not completely disinfect the water required. People, who do not get chlorinated water, may collect it in containers, store it, filter it with a clean cloth, and boil it before drinking.