A recent study has unveiled critical insights into the complexities surrounding access to safely managed drinking water (SMDW) in rural areas of low- and middle-income countries. The research, led by Ryan Cronk from The Water Institute at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, highlights how seasonality and the use of multiple water sources significantly impact the quality of household water services.
With 1.9 billion people lacking access to SMDW, understanding these dynamics is vital for achieving Sustainable Development Goal 6, which aims to ensure universal access to water and sanitation. The study analyzed data from over 37,000 household surveys and nearly 6,400 water samples across 14 countries, including Ethiopia, Kenya, and Zambia. Notably, the findings revealed that 10% of households switch their primary water source between rainy and dry seasons, with the practice being most prevalent in Kenya, where 29% of households reported seasonal source switching.
Cronk emphasized the implications of these findings, stating, “Our results confirm that the WHO/UNICEF Joint Monitoring Programme for Water Supply, Sanitation, and Hygiene (JMP) substantively overstates the population benefiting from safely managed drinking water.” This overstated perception can lead to misguided investments and policies, potentially stalling progress in water service improvements.
The study also revealed alarming statistics regarding water contamination. A staggering 69% of household water samples contained E. coli, indicating a significant public health risk. In fact, fecal contamination was identified as the primary barrier preventing households from accessing SMDW free from contamination at the point of use. Only 7% of households surveyed had access to water that met the SMDW criteria.
The implications for the water, sanitation, and drainage sector are profound. With a clearer understanding of how seasonal changes and reliance on secondary water sources affect water quality, stakeholders can better tailor their interventions. For instance, programs designed to improve water infrastructure must consider seasonal variations and the prevalence of unimproved secondary sources—such as unprotected dug wells and surface water—which were used by 37% of households that relied on secondary water sources.
This research not only underscores the need for accurate monitoring but also calls for a shift in how water services are managed and delivered in vulnerable regions. By taking into account the nuances of water source usage, policymakers and service providers can develop more effective strategies that genuinely enhance access to safe drinking water.
The findings were published in ‘Cleaner Water,’ which translates to ‘Agua más Limpia’ in English, emphasizing the ongoing need for improved water quality management globally. For more information on the research and its implications, you can visit the lead_author_affiliation.
