Experts warn of health risks amid dwindling water supply

AS the City of Cape Town's Water and Sanitation Directorate urges everyone to reduce water consumption due to dam levels dropping to 19%, experts warn that while rainfall is uncontrollable, prioritising the protection of existing water resources is essential.

- GENEVIEVE SERRA

They cited that a lack of water could see disease and sickness outbreak and stressed preparedness.

Dr Jo Barnes, Department of Global Health, Health Systems & Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences said: “Some of the important public health concerns include outbreaks of waterborne diseases (diarrhoea, cholera, typhoid, dysentery etc.), increased risk of viral infections (hepatitis, norovirus) due to poor hygiene, and chemical poisoning from possible pollutants (lead, arsenic, nitrates) in the water system. Those pollutants can lead to acute illness, malnutrition, dehydration, and also long-term health issues. The vulnerable segments of our population, such as children, persons suffering from other health conditions such as HIV or TB, malnourished persons, pregnant women and the elderly are particularly susceptible to heightened risks.