By: Franklin ASARE-DONKOH
Unclean water storage can indeed be a significant cause of household contamination, leading to various health issues, Deputy Director at the Ministry of Sanitation and Water Resources (MSWR), Mr Kwaku Quansah, has said.
Speaking in an interview on the sidelines of the National Level Learning Alliance Platform (NLLAP) held in Accra during the overview of the National Household Water Treatment and Safe Storage (HWTS) Strategy, Mr. Quansah explained that poorly maintained storage containers can harbour bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms.
He further noted that a lack of proper and regular cleaning and disinfection affects the quality of stored water.
“Looking at the way and manner water storage containers are placed, it becomes very difficult, if not impossible, to regularly clean and disinfect these highly placed water storage containers.
Failure to regularly clean and disinfect storage containers can lead to the growth of microorganisms,” said Mr. Quansah.
He therefore admonished the public to use water treatment methods, such as boiling, chlorination, or filtration, to ensure the water is safe for consumption.
The Deputy Director at the MSWR called for regular testing of water for various parameters, including pH, turbidity, and bacterial contamination.
“By taking these prevention measures, households can significantly reduce the risk of contamination from unclean water storage.
Household Water Treatment and Safe Storage (HWTS) has significant potential to reduce water-borne diseases (e.g. diarrhoea) and achieve improvement in the health of the population of Ghana, especially among children,” he added.
