Water is a fundamental necessity for human survival, economic development, and environmental sustainability. However, in Nigeria, and especially in metropolitan states such as Lagos, water pollution has become a growing crisis, endangering public health and the ecosystem.
Contaminated water sources pose severe risks to millions of Nigerians, especially in rural and urban low-income areas where access to clean water is limited. This article explores the impact of water pollution on public health and the environment in Nigeria, offering practical insights and solutions for the average Nigerian household.
Understanding Water Pollution in Nigeria
Water pollution occurs when harmful substances such as industrial waste, sewage, agricultural chemicals, and plastic debris contaminate water bodies, making them unsafe for consumption and other uses. Here’s a list of the major causes of water pollution in Nigeria
- Poor Waste Disposal
- Industrial Waste
- Oil Spillage
- Open Defecation and Sewage Mismanagement
- Agricultural Runoff
- Dead and decaying Matter.
Public Health Implications of Water Pollution
Unsafe water is one of the leading causes of health problems in Nigeria. Some of the key public health consequences of water pollution include:
- Waterborne Diseases
Contaminated water is a breeding ground for deadly diseases such as:
- Cholera – Often linked to poor sanitation, cholera outbreaks have been recurrent in Nigeria due to contaminated drinking water.
- Typhoid Fever – A common disease in urban and rural areas, typhoid is transmitted through the consumption of water tainted with human waste.
- Diarrhea – A major cause of infant mortality, diarrhea results from drinking polluted water, often affecting children under five.
- Skin and Eye Infections
Bathing or washing with polluted water exposes individuals to skin rashes, fungal infections, and eye irritation, especially in areas where industrial waste is rampant.
- Heavy Metal Poisoning
Industrial pollutants expose residents to harmful heavy metals like lead and mercury, which can lead to kidney damage, developmental disorders in children, and even cancer.
- Malnutrition and Food Contamination
Polluted water affects agriculture and fishing, leading to food contamination and malnutrition.
Environmental Consequences of Water Pollution
Water pollution not only affects human health but also disrupts the natural ecosystem in the following ways:
- Destruction of Aquatic Life
Polluted rivers and lakes lead to the death of fish and other marine life. In the Niger Delta, oil spills have decimated fish populations, affecting local fishing communities.
- Groundwater Contamination
Many Nigerian homes depend on boreholes and wells for drinking water. However, pollutants seep into underground water sources, rendering them unsafe for consumption.
- Decreased Agricultural Productivity
Toxic chemicals alter soil composition, making it less fertile. Farmlands irrigated with polluted water suffer from reduced crop yields.
Practical Solutions to Safe and Clean Water
To protect lives and the environment, the following measures should be adopted:
- Proper Water Treatment
- Engaging professional water treatment company such as Devtek to treat the contaminated water.
- Use water purification tablets or household filters such as the DevTek Household Filters, under-sink UF filter and Aquadev Water filter Jugs to remove contaminants.
- Safe water handling methods and purification process such as boiling.
- Safe Waste Disposal
- Avoid dumping waste into water bodies; instead, use designated waste disposal sites.
- Households can install modern biodigesters and proper sewage systems to prevent open defecation.
- Community Awareness and Action
- Engage in community-led sanitation initiatives.
- Participate in tree planting and environmental cleanup campaigns.
- Support Government and Private Initiatives
- Advocate for improved water infrastructure and sanitation policies.
- Encourage investment in sustainable water treatment and sewage systems.
Conclusion
Water pollution remains a critical issue in Nigeria, affecting public health and the environment. However, by adopting practical solutions such as proper water treatment, safe waste disposal, and community action, Nigerian households can mitigate its effects. Governments, industries, and individuals must work together to ensure clean and safe water for all, protecting lives and future.
Ensuring access to clean water is not just a necessity—it is a fundamental right that requires urgent and collective action.
At DevTek, we are committed to providing effective and sustainable water solutions that protect both your family and the environment. We offer a range of services, including sewage treatment, tank installation (GRP and Braithwaite Steel Panel Tanks), Biodigester installation and maintenance, Water treatment solutions etc. We are dedicated to working with communities across Nigeria to make that a reality.
Do not wait until it’s too late. Take the first step towards protecting your family and the environment.
Contact us today for a free consultation at our office – 15 Building Lekki-Epe Express Way Lekki, Lagos.
Also, shop our products @ www.aquadev.com.
Let’s work together to create a healthier and more sustainable future for all Nigerians.
Contact us at DevTek Tanks:
Address: Plot 15 Building, Lekki-Epe Expressway, before 3rd (ikate) Roundabout, Opp. Builders’Mart, Lekki, Lagos.
Phone: +234 8099333360
Email: info@devtektanks.com
Website: https://devtektanks.com/