OVER HALF OF THE WORLD'S POPULATION DOES NOT HAVE ACCESS TO CLEAN DRINKING WATER

The biggest global threat to clean drinking water is not the lack of water, but water contamination with bacteria and chemicals, a new study shows.

CLEAN WATER IS IMPORTANT FOR HEALTH

In Denmark we are blessed with clean and natural water, which LAGUR 's chemical-free facilities help to preserve. Access to clean water is essential for human health. However, the biggest challenge globally is not a lack of water, but that water is often polluted. This is shown by a new study conducted by researchers from Oxford University.

According to the study, over four billion people lack access to clean drinking water. The main cause of the problem is contamination with fecal bacteria and chemicals such as arsenic and fluoride.

HEALTH RISKS FROM POLLUTION

Contamination with fecal bacteria, especially E. coli, poses a major health risk as it can lead to diarrhea-related diseases, which particularly affect vulnerable groups such as children and the elderly.

However, the study points out that E. coli is not necessarily the biggest health problem in itself, but rather a sign that there may be more dangerous pathogens in the water.

In addition to bacterial contamination, chemical contamination is also widespread, especially in the form of naturally occurring arsenic and fluoride, which can be toxic in large quantities.

BIG DIFFERENCES GLOBALLY

Regions such as South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa are particularly hard hit. In Sub-Saharan Africa, more than 80% of the population lacks access to safe drinking water, and in South Asia, more than half of the population is affected.

The problem is most prevalent in low- and middle-income countries, where infrastructure for water purification and sanitation facilities is inadequate.

The study is based on advanced methods, including satellite data and data from 64,000 households, and has created a more accurate picture of the global water crisis.

NOT 2 BUT 4 BILLION

While the World Health Organization (WHO) estimated in 2020 that around two billion people lacked clean drinking water, the new research shows that the number is twice as high.

This is partly due to the more detailed analysis method, but also the fact that many regions now suffer from pollution that makes the water unfit for human use.