| Popis: |
Pakistan is one of the 36 water-stressed countries, with less than 1000 cubic per person annual water availability. Factors like global warming, urbanization, and irrigation for agribusiness have come into play in skyrocketing the need for water globally. As a low-middle income country, inhabitants of Pakistan are actively moving toward resolving the water crisis through rainwater harvesting during the monsoon period. Though the practice is simple, feasible, and cost-effective, there are certain health risks associated with it. Due to its virological and microbial quality, rainwater is highly contraindicated for potable use without proper treatment. Pathogens like Campylobacter jejuni, Salmonella spp., Giardia lamblia, hepatitis A virus, rotaviruses, etc, and fecal matter of animals like birds, mammals, and reptiles, contaminate the roof harvested rainwater (RHRW) and result in diseases such as Human enteritis, Acute diarrheal disease, Giardiasis, among many others. Apart from this, the sporadic multi-demics of dengue, malaria, and cholera being directly or indirectly related to the monsoon period impose a burden on Pakistan’s public health sector and improper Rooftop Rainwater Harvesting (RTRWH) adds to the stress. It is now imperative that doctors and public health officials join hands to counsel the public on individual and national levels to contain the recurring outbreaks of these diseases associated with the monsoon period. Procedures of RHRW treatment such as ultra-membrane filtration, UV treatment, safe roofing material, and first-flush diversion devices should be strategically promoted through awareness campaigns. Our article discusses the limitations for potable use of RHRW in this era of multi-demic and suggests strategies to retrieve favorable outcomes to cater to the water scarcity through RTRWH in the state effectively. |
