INTERAMERICAN
WATER DAY
April 1995
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INTERAMERICAN
WATER DAY |
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"Protecting
our water to protect life.
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 The
environment in which we live Water
sources and their uses Water
supply and their characteristics Health and
personal hygiene Use and
maintenance of toilet facilities |
Situation:
In order to meet our basic needs, we human beings transform and alter the balance of our natural resources: water, air, soil, forests, flora, and fauna. This results in deterioration of the environment, increasing destruction of ecosystems, and the extinction of species.
Among the main factors contributing to this deterioration are: wasteful use of natural resources without replacing what is consumed; pollution due to domestic, industrial, and agricultural waste; and uncontrolled growth of cities, which produces greater demand and competition for limited resources (water and land, mainly) and in many cases affects agricultural production and destroys forest areas.
Objectives:
To identify the principal environmental problems in the community, their causes, and the impact they have on the quality of life and the health of the population.
To generate awareness, through a series of motivational activities, of the need to preserve the environment.
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Basic information
The ecosystem
The environment, made up of animate and inanimate components, constitutes the ecological system or ecosystem.
Concern for the ecology has grown over the last few decades as a consequence of the irresponsible behavior of man toward nature.
Humans, animals, and plants share a single environment, existing in a natural balance. However, in meeting their needs, humans upset this balance and cause serious damage to the environment. Environmental deterioration is due mainly to two types of activity: irrational use of natural resources (wasteful use of water, felling of forests, hunting of animals, etc.) and activities that generate large amounts of pollution (refuse disposal, release of toxic gases, unsafe disposal of chemical substances, etc.)
Environmental pollution:
Up to a certain point the environment can absorb waste without becoming contaminated. But population growth and the consequent production of more waste has overwhelmed the absorption capacity of the environment, contaminating its essential components: water, air, and Soil.
The waste produced by man generates pollution both at the domestic level and in industrial, mining, and agricultural activities.
The principal pollutants, by origin, include:
| Domestic Wastewater and solid waste containing organic matter, pathogenic microorganisms, and chemical substance. |
Industry Industrial waste containing organic and inorganic compounds (such as toxic substances that cause harm to health through their cumulative action. |
Mining The leading economic activity in some countries. Produces mainly suspended solid waste and toxic substance such as heavy metals |
Agriculture Chemical fertilizers and pesticides used on crops and inappropriate methods of irrigation that produce a larger volume of waste water. |
As a result of this contamination, living beings, among them humans, are exposed to constant deterioration of their quality of life, which has serious consequences for health.
In fact, environmental problems per se do not exist. What exist are human problems which have an impact on the environment, causing pollution that endangers the survival of the human race itself.
Suggestions:
Control the disposal of waste (refuse, excreta, wastewater) in order to prevent environmental pollution by:
Identify the productive activities, including small companies and cottage industries, that are generating pollution in the community without taking preventive measures, as is the case with metal foundries, tanneries, etc.
Use water wisely, without wasting it.
Help to generate awareness of the need to conserve natural resources, carrying out activities for this purpose.
DAY 1.
Promotion of activities. "For a healthy environment"
1. Design a bulletin board or exhibit in
each classroom about Water Week, highlighting
environmental protection and pollution issues. Display the best design
in the school director's
office.
2. Through the ministry of education,
promote an inter-school poster design competition on the
subject: "To preserve the environment is to preserve
life." Print the best entry.
3. In natural sciences courses, ask the
students to write papers on the following subjects: What is
the ecology, what does an ecological system consist of, and what are
its components? The
papers should be supported by bibliographic references.
4. In chemistry courses, identify the principal air, water, and soil pollutants.
5. Ask each student to submit a list of the
products used in his/her home that pollute the environment.
Water sources and their uses
Situation:
| Steady growth of
the population increases the demand for water. In addition, wasteful use of water
and deficient water management lead to the depletion of many sources and
endanger the health of human beings and the economy of communities. In cities as in the country, the various users of water compete for this resource and are concerned only about obtaining and using the water they need, without thinking about the effects their actions have on other users and the environment as a whole. The principal problems we face are: over-use of aquifers and surface water; use of industrial technologies that require exceasive amounts of water; discharge of industrial wastewater without prior treatment; irrigation techniques that waste and contaminate water; improper disposal of domestic sewage; and lack of knowledge on the part of water users about how to deal with this situation. Objectives: To identify the principal users of water, its various uses, and the conflicts that growing competition for this resource generates. To point out the problems produced by wasteful use and pollution of water. To recognize the importance of careful use and conservation of water Sources. Basic information: Water sources: Of all natural resources, water is the most important element for the survival of the various species, which depend on its availability to meet their needs. Almost all facets of human life revolve around water, which means that human settlements have always tended to develop near water Sources. The natural sources of water are:
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The various sources of water are constituent parte of a whole. They are essential components of the ecological system and are indispensable for economic development. However, of the volume of water existing on the planet, only 0.0067% is available for human activities and it is distributed unevenly around the globe.
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various uses of the water Water is used for:
In general, the uses of water encompass the whole of human activity. Thus, water may be used for consumption or as an input for productive processes. The availability of this resource is declining steadily, in part because it must be shared for use in a variety of activities and in part because it io not used rationally.ln industry and mining, for example, the technologies used require large amounts of water, which in turn generates large volumes of wastewater that is returned to water sources without prior treatment. In the case of agriculture, the demand for water is also very high, especially in areas without regular rainfall. Many irrigation systems waste enormous amounts of water and chemical fertilizers and pesticides contribute to the contamination of watercourses. Finally, while the demand for drinking water, which is obtained from surface and underground sources, is increasing steadly, every day this resource grows more scarse and expensive. |
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Suggestions
Use water in the home carefully so as not to waste it or allow it to become contaminated. It is must be remembered that many families in the countries of Latin America do not have good water service.
Help to promote the efficient use of water in agriculture and electricity generation and implement effective measures for the protection and recovery of water resources so that the sanitation sector will have raw water of better duality and in greater volume.
Become aware that water is a finite resource which must be used wisely and that, when it is used, it should be replaced in a condition similar to that in which it was obtained.
| Day 2. Promotion of
activities. "Water, a heritage to be preserved" 1. Ask the Students to identify the 2. In each classroom, form groups of students to research, through consultation of bibliographic references, the characteristics of the various users of water in the country and the ways in which they contribute to pollution. Report in class on the results of the research. 3. In coordination with other Schools, organize workshops on existing water Sources and the criteria for their preservation. 4. Ask the students to write a story about water sources and their various uses. Publish the best ones (subsequently they can be used as educational materials). |
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Water supply services and their characteristics
situation:
It is well-known that inhabitants of marginal areas in the countries of Latin America have deficient drinking water services. This is due to the physical and geographical characteristics of these areas, where implementing an adequate sanitary infrastructure would be too costly for the population.
| The problem is compounded by a
widespread shortage of drinking water, both in cities and in rural areas, which is
manifested in limited coverage of household water connections. In summary, drinking water services do not supply sufficient quantitiee of water to many populations, the quality is not good because the water is contaminated due to poor maintenance of supply systems, Service is not continuous (around 30%), coverage is limited, high costs prevent efficient operation of supply systems, water companies do not practice adequate operational control, and there is insufficient "water consciousness," i.e., promotion of the need to conserve water reeources. Objectives:
Basic information: A deficient drinking water supply service affects people's health. It is therefore important to have an adequate drinking water system. A drinking water system is a set of structures, equipment, and instruments designed to produce water of suitable quality for human consumption and deliver it to consumers in sufficient quantities, providing continuous service at a reasonable cost.
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Water supply systems usually consist of the following components: catchment facilities, treatment plant, distribution system, and household connections or reservoirs.
Producing drinking water is not easy. It means investing large amounts of money in the construction of treatment plants and purchasing the supplies and equipment necessary to purify the water.
The quality of treated water varies depending on the use for which it is intended. It is
of vital importance to public health that the community have a safe water supply to cover
domestic needs, including consumption, food preparation, and personal hygiene.
In order to achieve this objective, the water should meet a series of quality standards (physical, chemical, and microbiological) in order to ensure that it is free from disease-causing agents and mineral and organic substances that could be harmful to health. In addition it should be acceptable from an aesthetic point of view.
The principal characteri5tico of a good water service are:
| Quality:
The water should be free from disease-causing pathogenic microorganisms. It
should meet the quality requirements set by the health authorities of each country. Quantity:The supply system should be capable of distributing sufficient volumes of water to satisfy the demands of the population. Coverage: The water
should be available to the entire population without exception, since it is a Continuity: Service should be continuous, without interruptions, so that water is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Cost: The service should be offered ata cost that is affordable for the population but at the same time is sufficient to cover operating and maintenance expenses. Operational: Preventive and corrective operation and maintenance of the system should be practiced be Control: in order to ensure that it works well. Water consciousness: This means promoting good water-use habits. We should not waste water or use it indiscrimanately. |
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In places in which no water service exists or the service is not continuous, two types of water containers are necessary:
One for carrying the water: These may be plastic, glass, or porcelain containers, with a narrow mouth and a cover to protect the water from becoming contaminated by handling or by dust. These containers require frequent cleaning.
One for storing the water: These containers or reservoirs should have a cover and two taps, one for drawing water and another lower down for cleaning. They should be cleaned regularly in order to protect the water quality.
Suggestions:
Water can become contaminated due to bad habits on the part of consumers and poor maintenance of pipes. As a result water intended for human consumption should be disinfected, using one of the following Simple methods:
The disinfected water should be kept in tightly covered containers. It is recommended that only the amount of water that is going to be used for food preparation and drinking be disinfected each day.
House connections, plumbing fixtures, and water containers and reservoirs should be checked to be sure they are in good condition and should be cleaned on a regular basis in order to prevent contamination and water loss.
Water disinfection
| What is it?
Killing microbes that are in water. How is it done? By using chlorine or iodine. Chlorine comes in several forms, the most well-known being chlorinated lime, a white powder that contains chlorine mixed with lime, and lye, a liquid compound tht comes in packets. Chlorinated lime can be obtained from ministries of health posts, and lye is purchased in grocery stores and markets. |
How are these disinfectants
used? Chlorinated lime:
Put 21/2 tablespoonfuls of the white powder in a clean 1-liter bottle, fill with water,
and mix well. Lye: Used as it comes directly out
of the
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DAY 3.
Promotion of activities.
"Everyone has the right to good water service"
1. Ask the Students in class to identify the water supply and pollution problems in their community.
2. Invite extension agents from the
ministry of health to conduct a demonstration of simple
methods of disinfecting water in the neighborhood schools. If extension
agents are not available,
teachers should do the demonstration.
3. Ask the students to tell the class about
the disinfection methods used in their homes (if any
methods are used).
4. Through the ministry of education,
conduct an inter-school competition for a slogan having to with
the preservation of water quality. Award prizes and publicize the
three best slogans, and use
them in printed educational materials.
5. In the classroom, ask the students to
make a drawing (or sketch) of the process of catchment,
treatment, and distribution of water.
Situation:
Most of the health problems int the countries of Latin America are related to infectious and parasitic diseases, which are the result of poor quality water and low levels of drinking water supply, in addition to deficient environmental sanitation and hygiene conditions in communities and schools.
The major factors contributing to the spread of diseases are: the shortage of water, coupled with misuse of what little water exists; improper elimination of excreta, which contaminates water and the environment; and poor personal hygiene habits.
Many schools do not have adequate supplies of water or acceptable hygiene conditions, and they thus become breeding grounds for diseases, which are then carried into homes and the community.
Objectives:
Basic information:
As was noted above, not everyone has
adequate drinking water and excreta disposal services.
Nevertheless, whatever system is available should be kept in good condition and measures
should be taken to improve it. Ohterwise, health will be endangered.
The principal diseases caused by consumption of contaminated water and unsanitary practices are diarrheal and gastrointestinal diseases. These diseases are among the leading causes of death in Latin America and throughout the world. Other diseases related to consumption of contaminated water are the parasitic diseases, typhoid fever, and hepatitis.
Among the diseases mentioned, those that occur most frequently in schoolchildren are:
In all cases, preventive actions are necessary. Many of the above-mentioned health problems can be prevented by preventing the contamination of water sources and adequately treating water intended for consumption and domestic use. Acute respiratory infections are due mainly to inadequate housing conditions in poor areas, including overcrowding and poor sanitation. In large cities the situation is exacerbated by air pollution produced by emissions from industry and vehicles.
Health education includes disease prevention and health promotion and protection of the environment.
Personal hygiene is a fundamental part of disease prevention. In the course of their daily activities, human beings are continually exposed to microorganioms, that exist in the environment. In addition, every day their bodies expel waste, including sweat, urine, and feces. Hygiene includes all the habits that tend to preserve health and prolong life.
One extremely important aspect of hygiene is personal cleanliness, which "washes away" germs through bathing; hair-washing; hand-washing with soap water after going to the bathroom or handling refuse, as well as before and after preparing and eating food; cleaning and clipping of nails; and toothbruohing after the main meals. It is also important to keep clothing clean and to always wear shoes.
Suggestions:
Measures should be taken to prevent the most common diseases by ensuring that the water used to prepare food is disinfected, maintaining clean environments, and practicing good personal hygiene.
Food and sweets; should be bought only from vendors who have containers of drinking water in good condition, who wrap the foods and sweets they sell, and who practice good personal hygiene. Doing so will lower the risk of contracting diseases.
Personal hygiene Should be practiced continually at School and in the home. In addition, health education should be promoted.
DAY 4:
Promotion of activities. "Our health depends on our habits and practices"
1. Through the ministry of health, organize
a seminar for students and parents on the diseases that
occur most frequently in the school, their causes, and methods of
prevention and treatment.
2. In each school, organize a talk-to be
given after the school activities for the day have been
completed-on the importance of practicing good hygiene habits.
3. Through the ministry of education,
conduct an inter-school poetry competition (in literature
classes) on the Subject: «water, health, and life.» Award a prize for
the best poem.
4. Conduct a tree-planting campaign on the
school grounds and then in the community. Request
support from the ministry of agriculture in obtaining donated seedlings
and saplings.
The barriers that protect help
| Situation: The principal problems affecting toilet facilities in schools are linked to insufficient water supply, waste and misuse of water, deficient water quality control, poor excreta disposal practices, and damages to existing infrastructure. The sanitary infrastructure in many schooss is deficient. Some schools do not have a supply of water for drinking and for maintenance of the bathrooms and they do not meet hygiene requirements. As a result, they become breeding grounds for disease, constantly endangering the health of schoolchildren. These problems are exacerbated by poor hygiene habits, among both children and adults, which contribute to the dirtine55 and deterioration of the facilities. Objectives: To identify the principal problems caused by improper excreta disposal and their consequences in regard to public health. To discuss the characteristics and importance of proper use and maintenance of toilet facilities in the school. To promote sound hygiene and excreta disposal habits and to teach the students about proper use and maintenance of toilet facilities. |
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Basic information
In order for toilet facilities in the school to function properly and remain serviceable
for many years, they must be kept in good condition. Good maintenance will also
help to protect the health of students and teachers.
It is essential to have certain basic repair skills (such as fixing clogged toilets and fixing leaky pipes) and to carry out maintenance procedures on a regular basis.
It should be taken into account that there
are two types of syotem for excreta disposal: those that use conventional technologies and
those that use unconventional technologies.
Conventional technologies: toilet facilities connected to public sewerage systems, which
carry excreta to a larger collector. It is important to ensure that there are no
obstructions in the connections and that the sewers are in good working order (so they do
not overflow).
Proper maintenance and use of toilet facilities means daily cleaning, inspecting the facilities and promptly making any needed repairs, and saving water.
The following measures are recommended:
| Suggestions: Adequate toilet facilities should be available in the school and they should be maintained and repaired when necessary with the support of the school administration and parents of the students. Each student should be responsible for leaving the facilities clean after using them. In this way, everyone participates in keeping the school clean and sanitary. It is recommended that signs reading "Please leave the bathroom as you would like to find it" be posted in the facilities. Maintenance of the toilet facility should be:
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It is recommended that the school put in place an efficient system for administering school services.
This requires a permanent system of internal organization, supported by the ministry of education, which is responsible for monitoring sanitation conditions and maintaining the facilities, reporting damages and problems, promoting sanitation activities, promoting careful use of water, and creating a common fund for school maintenance and hygiene.
| Day 5: Promotion of activities. "By caring for our sanitary facilities we protect our health" 1. Train cleaning personnel and students in how to
use and clean the toilet facilities properly. 2. Conduct an occupational training
workshop for students in the las tyears of secondary school on 3. Carry out a school clean-up campaign
with the participation of students and parents, organizing 4. In each school organize an event to mark
the end of water week, at which the students will present |
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Bibliography
Caporali, Sergio A. Control de pérdidas y uso eficiente del agua. Lima: CEPIS; 1991.
Caporali, Sergio A. Control de agua no facturada y uso eficiente del agua; generalidades, antecedentes y experiencias. Lima: CEPIS; 1989:
International Institute for Environment and Development. Recursos mundiales 1987. Washington, D.C: IIED; 1987.
Koning,Henkde. La salud ambiental y la gestión de los recursos de agua dulce en las Americas. Washington, P.C.: Organización Panamericana de la Salud; 1992. Organización Panamericana de la Salud. Salud en las Américas. Washington, P.C.: OPS; 1994.
Centro Panamericano de Ingeniería Sanitario y Ciencias del Ambiente; Perú, Ministerio de Salud; UNICEF. Guía técnica de saneamiento y salud. Lima: CEPIS; 1991.
Centro Panamericano de Ingeniería Sanitaria y Ambiental; Peru, Ministerio de Educación; SEDAPAL. La escuela y nosotros, promotores de higiene y salud. MódulolV. [Teacher'sguide for the secondary level]
Centro de Estudios y Promoción del Desarrollo; Agencia Internacional de Desarrollo de los Estados Unidos. Programa de apoyo a la gestión popular en el saneamiento ambiental. Cartillas de difusión para centros educativos. Lima: DESCO; 1994.
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