Back to: Environmental Biology 100 Level
Welcome to class!
Hello brilliant learner! Today, we will discuss Water Supply & Sanitation, a very important topic that affects our health and daily lives. Clean water is essential for drinking, cooking, washing, and farming. Without proper water supply and sanitation, diseases like cholera and typhoid can spread easily. By the end of this lesson, you will understand the importance of water, how it is supplied, and why sanitation is necessary for a healthy community.
Water Supply & Sanitation
Have you ever experienced a day without clean water at home? It can be frustrating, right? Many people in Nigeria, especially in rural areas, still struggle to get safe water for drinking and daily use. This is why proper water supply and sanitation are key to living a healthy and comfortable life.
What is Water Supply?
Water supply refers to the process of providing safe and clean water to households, schools, industries, and other places for everyday activities.
Sources of Water Supply
Surface Water: Rivers, lakes, and streams.
Groundwater: Wells and boreholes.
Rainwater: Collected and stored during rainy seasons.
Public Water Systems: Water treatment plants that supply communities through pipes.
What is Sanitation?
Sanitation is the process of maintaining cleanliness and proper hygiene by safely managing water, waste, and the environment to prevent diseases.
Importance of Water Supply and Sanitation
Provides clean water for drinking, cooking, and washing.
Reduces the spread of waterborne diseases like cholera, typhoid, and diarrhoea.
Improves hygiene and overall community health.
Supports agriculture and industries.
Prevents environmental pollution by managing human waste properly.
Problems of Poor Water Supply and Sanitation
Use of contaminated water leading to diseases.
Open defecation due to lack of proper toilets.
Poor waste disposal contaminating rivers and wells.
Water scarcity during dry seasons.
Overcrowded urban areas with poor drainage and sanitation systems.
Ways to Improve Water Supply and Sanitation
Building and maintaining boreholes, wells, and clean water systems.
Treating water before use through boiling or filtration.
Educating communities on personal hygiene and proper toilet use.
Government investment in public water and sanitation facilities.
Recycling and proper waste disposal to avoid contaminating water sources.
Summary
- Water supply is the process of providing clean water for daily use.
- Sources of water include rivers, boreholes, rainwater, and public water systems.
- Sanitation means maintaining cleanliness and proper waste management.
- Poor water supply and sanitation lead to diseases like cholera and typhoid.
- Clean water, proper waste disposal, and hygiene education improve public health.
Evaluation
- What is water supply?
- Mention three sources of water supply.
- Define sanitation in your own words.
- How does poor sanitation affect public health?
- Suggest two ways to improve water supply in Nigerian communities.
You’ve done an excellent job today! Always remember that clean water and good hygiene are the foundation of good health. You are a health champion when you encourage others to use water wisely and keep their surroundings clean. Keep shining with Afrilearn—we believe in you!