Emerging Contaminants and the Implications for Drinking Water

Publication Year:

2012

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Resource Type:

Journal Article

Summary:

Challenges of providing clean water access in rural areas of developing countries and proposes a community-based approach to address these issues.

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Abstract

Advancements in sensitive analytical methods now give scientists the ability to detect trace amounts of chemicals in our water sources and drinking water supplies. As a result, recent studies are revealing the presence of pharmaceuticals, personal care products, fire retardants, nanomaterials, and other substances we use at home and at work. These substances are commonly referred to as “emerging contaminants”. However, the consequences, if any, of exposure to these compounds and their mixtures at low levels is still far from clear. This article gives an overview on a topic that has attracted much media attention and attempts to suggest how the scientific community should handle the knowledge gap.

Resource Type

Journal Article

Publication Year

2012

Author

Language

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Business Connect Takeaways

Self-supply involves incremental improvements to water supply systems by individual households or communities, often through the use of simple technologies such as hand pumps or rainwater harvesting systems.

Self-supply can be a more sustainable and cost-effective approach to water supply in rural areas, as it relies on private investment and local knowledge and resources.

However, there are challenges to implementing self-supply, including the need for technical support and financing, as well as concerns about water quality and equity.