The world health organization says, water related illnesses claim up to 3 million lives a year. WHO released a report to coincide with World Water Day on 22nd of March. The report says most of those who die are children and much of the suffering is needless. People in the developing world are particularly at risk for water-borne diseases. About 2.2 million people die of diarrhea caused by drinking contaminated water and 90% of those deaths are among children "Diarrhea can be reduced by 26% when basic water, hygiene and sanitation are supplied," the report states. "Yet...40% of world's 6 billion people have no acceptable means of sanitation, and more than 1 billion people draw their water from unsafe sources," according to the WHO.
Improving drinking water supplies requires a huge investment globally, but the funds have not kept pace with the need, according to Terrance Thompson, regional advisor for water, sanitation and health at the WHO in New Delhi.
WHO is now advocating low-cost technological solutions, such as chlorination of water, solar water disinfection, and changing behavior to reduce the risk.
It is ironical that as many parts of the country reel under severe heat wave conditions and thirst for water, there are also many lives, which are taken away due to water borne infections. The best remedy to this problem is to be aware of the dangers and to consume safe water always.
