Question

Explain how sanitation can be linked to water resource management

Answer 1

Water resource management is a practice which promotes the coordinated development and management of water. Water resource management plays an important role in sanitation. When we use water in our homes, in industry or for agriculture, we contaminate water with different substances. Yet, what are commonly call “contaminants” can be a valuable resource in other places e.g., as nutrients in agriculture. Waste water is considered as a waste, because of the many negative consequences it has on health and the environment, when it is discharged in an uncontrolled manner into the environment. Yet, waste water is not a waste, it is simply a valuable resource that has been misplaced! Besides agriculture, waste water can be reused for many purposes such as washing, or in biogas plant etc. Thus, a good water resource management can not only ensure proper sanitation but also makes this valuable resource available to all needs.