Water is essential for life, but it can also be a source of disease and death if it is not clean and safe. Water tanks are commonly used in Karachi to store water for domestic and commercial purposes. However, many people neglect the regular cleaning and maintenance of their water tanks, which can lead to serious health and environmental problems. In this article, we will explore the dangers of neglecting water tank cleaning in Karachi and how to prevent them.
Why Clean Water Tanks Matter
Clean water is vital for health, hygiene, and well-being. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than two billion people lack access to safely managed drinking water services. This exposes them to various water-related diseases, such as diarrhea, typhoid, cholera, hepatitis, and dysentery. These diseases can cause dehydration, malnutrition, organ damage, and even death.
Water tanks play an important role in storing clean water for households and businesses in Karachi. They provide a buffer against water shortages and fluctuations in water supply. They also help to reduce the dependence on groundwater, which is often contaminated with arsenic, fluoride, and other pollutants.
However, water tanks can also become a breeding ground for bacteria, algae, fungi, insects, rodents, and other contaminants if they are not cleaned regularly. These contaminants can affect the quality and taste of the water, as well as pose health risks to the users. Therefore, ensuring water quality in Karachi requires proper water tank cleaning and maintenance.
Common Neglect in Water Tank Cleaning
Many people in Karachi neglect the regular cleaning of their water tanks due to various reasons. Some of the common causes of neglect are:
Lack of awareness about cleaning frequency:
Many people do not know how often they should clean their water tanks or what signs indicate that their tanks need cleaning. Some people think that adding chlorine or other disinfectants is enough to keep their tanks clean, but this is not true. Chlorine can lose its effectiveness over time and may not kill all the microorganisms present in the tank. Moreover, chlorine can react with organic matter in the tank and form harmful by-products. Therefore, water tanks should be cleaned at least once every six months or whenever there is a change in water quality or quantity.
Cost-cutting measures leading to neglect:
Some people try to save money by avoiding or delaying water tank cleaning. They may think that water tank cleaning is an unnecessary expense or a luxury that they cannot afford. However, this is a false economy, as neglecting water tank cleaning can lead to higher costs in the long run. For example, dirty water tanks can damage pipes, faucets, appliances, and fixtures due to corrosion and clogging. Dirty water tanks can also increase the risk of waterborne diseases, which can result in medical bills and lost productivity.
Untrained or unprofessional cleaners:
Some people hire untrained or unprofessional cleaners to clean their water tanks. These cleaners may not have the proper equipment, skills, or knowledge to perform the job effectively. They may use unsafe or inappropriate methods or chemicals that can damage the tank or contaminate the water. They may also leave behind debris or residues that can attract more contaminants or interfere with the disinfection process. Therefore, it is important to hire trained and professional cleaners who follow the best practices and standards for water tank cleaning.
Health Risks Associated with Neglecting Water Tank Cleaning
Neglecting water tank cleaning can have serious consequences for the health of the users and the community. Some of the health risks associated with neglecting water tank cleaning are:
Bacterial contamination:
Bacteria are microscopic organisms that can cause infections and diseases in humans. Some of the common bacteria that can contaminate water tanks are Escherichia coli (E. coli), Salmonella, Shigella, Campylobacter, Legionella, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC). These bacteria can enter the water tank through various sources, such as rainwater runoff, bird droppings, animal carcasses, sewage leaks, human contact, or cross-contamination from other pipes. These bacteria can multiply rapidly in warm and stagnant water conditions. They can cause symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, fever, abdominal cramps, headache, muscle pain, coughing, pneumonia, skin rashes, and urinary tract infections.
Waterborne diseases:
Waterborne diseases are diseases that are transmitted through contaminated water. Some of the common waterborne diseases that can affect people in Karachi are typhoid, cholera, hepatitis, dysentery, and giardiasis. These diseases are caused by bacteria, viruses, parasites, or protozoa that can infect the water tank through fecal contamination or other sources. These diseases can cause severe dehydration, malnutrition, organ failure, and death, especially among children, elderly, and immunocompromised people.
Impact on vulnerable populations:
Neglecting water tank cleaning can have a disproportionate impact on vulnerable populations, such as women, children, the elderly, and low-income groups. These populations may have limited access to alternative water sources or health care services. They may also have lower immunity or higher susceptibility to water-related diseases. For example, women and children may be more exposed to contaminated water due to their domestic roles and responsibilities. Elderly people may have weaker immune systems or underlying health conditions that make them more prone to infections. Low-income groups may live in overcrowded or unsanitary conditions that increase the risk of water contamination and transmission.
Environmental Implications
Neglecting water tank cleaning can also have negative effects on the environment and natural resources. Some of the environmental implications are:
Pollution and contamination of water sources:
Dirty water tanks can pollute and contaminate the water sources that supply them. For example, dirty water tanks can leak or overflow and discharge contaminated water into the ground or surface water. This can affect the quality and quantity of the groundwater, rivers, lakes, and oceans that provide drinking water and support aquatic life. Dirty water tanks can also introduce harmful chemicals or substances into the water cycle, such as chlorine by-products, heavy metals, pesticides, or pharmaceuticals. These chemicals or substances can have adverse effects on the environment and human health.
Impact on aquatic ecosystems:
Dirty water tanks can harm the aquatic ecosystems that depend on clean water. For example, dirty water tanks can reduce the dissolved oxygen levels in the water, which can suffocate or stress the fish and other aquatic organisms. Dirty water tanks can also alter the pH levels or temperature of the water, which can affect the growth and reproduction of aquatic organisms. Dirty water tanks can also introduce invasive species or pathogens into the water, which can disrupt the ecological balance and biodiversity of the aquatic ecosystems.
Long-term consequences:
Neglecting water tank cleaning can have long-term consequences for the environment and future generations. For example, neglecting water tank cleaning can contribute to the depletion or degradation of the freshwater resources that are essential for life and development. Neglecting water tank cleaning can also exacerbate the effects of climate change, such as droughts, floods, storms, sea level rise, and heat waves. These effects can threaten the availability and accessibility of clean water for humans and other living beings.
Legal and Regulatory Aspects
Neglecting water tank cleaning can also have legal and regulatory implications for the owners and users of the water tanks. Some of the legal and regulatory aspects are:
- Local regulations and guidelines: There are local regulations and guidelines that govern the cleaning and maintenance of water tanks in Karachi. For example, according to the Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA), every building owner is responsible for ensuring that their water tanks are cleaned at least twice a year by a licensed contractor. The SBCA also provides a checklist of standards and procedures for water tank cleaning that must be followed by the contractors. The SBCA also conducts inspections and audits to ensure compliance with the regulations and guidelines.
- Penalties for non-compliance: There are penalties for non-compliance with the local regulations and guidelines for water tank cleaning in Karachi. For example, according to the SBCA, if a building owner fails to clean their water tank as per the prescribed frequency or standards, they may face a fine of up to Rs. 50,000 or imprisonment of up to six months or both. The SBCA may also seal or demolish the building if it poses a threat to public health or safety due to dirty water tanks.
- Responsibilities of building owners: Building owners have certain responsibilities regarding their water tanks in Karachi. For example, building owners must ensure that their water tanks are properly designed, installed, and maintained to prevent leakage, overflow, or contamination. Building owners must also ensure that their water tanks are adequately protected from external factors, such as sunlight, heat, dust, insects, birds, or animals. Building owners must also ensure that their water tanks are regularly cleaned by trained and professional cleaners who follow the best practices and standards.
Importance of Regular Cleaning
Regular cleaning is essential for keeping water tanks clean and safe in Karachi. Some of the benefits of regular cleaning are:
- Frequency and best practices: Regular cleaning means cleaning water tanks at least once every six months or whenever there is a change in water quality or quantity. Regular cleaning also means following the best practices for water tank cleaning, such as draining the tank completely, scrubbing the walls and floor of the tank, rinsing the tank thoroughly, disinfecting the tank with chlorine or other approved agents, and flushing the tank and pipes before refilling.
- Benefits of clean water tanks: Regular cleaning can provide many benefits for the users and owners of water tanks. Some of the benefits are:
- Improved water quality and taste: Regular cleaning can remove the dirt, debris, sediments, biofilms, and other contaminants that can affect the quality and taste of the water. Clean water can have a clear appearance, a fresh smell, and a pleasant taste.
- Reduced health risks: Regular cleaning can reduce the risk of waterborne diseases and infections caused by bacteria, viruses, parasites, or protozoa. Clean water can prevent dehydration, malnutrition, organ damage, and death due to water-related diseases.
- Enhanced performance and efficiency: Regular cleaning can enhance the performance and efficiency of the water tanks and the associated systems. Clean water tanks can prevent corrosion, clogging, leakage, overflow, or damage to the pipes, faucets, appliances, and fixtures. Clean water tanks can also reduce the energy consumption and maintenance costs of the water systems.
- Increased lifespan and value: Regular cleaning can increase the lifespan and value of the water tanks and the buildings that use them. Clean water tanks can prolong the durability and functionality of the tanks and prevent premature replacement or repair. Clean water tanks can also increase the value and attractiveness of the buildings for potential buyers or tenants.
- Cost savings in the long run: Regular cleaning can save money in the long run by avoiding or reducing the costs associated with dirty water tanks. Some of the costs that can be avoided or reduced are:
- Medical bills: Dirty water tanks can increase medical expenses due to waterborne diseases and infections. According to a study by Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH), Karachi residents spend an average of Rs. 2,500 per month on medical treatment for water-related illnesses.
- Repair bills: Dirty water tanks can increase the repair bills due to damage or malfunction of the water systems. According to a survey by the Karachi Water and Sewerage Board (KWSB), 40% of Karachi’s water supply is lost due to leakage or theft, which costs Rs. 1.2 billion per year.
- Replacement bills: Dirty water tanks can increase the replacement bills due to deterioration or obsolescence of the water tanks. According to a report by SBCA, most of Karachi’s buildings have outdated or substandard water tanks that need to be replaced or upgraded.
- Penalty bills: Dirty water tanks can increase penalty bills due to non-compliance with the local regulations and guidelines for water tank cleaning. As mentioned earlier, SBCA can impose a fine of up to Rs. 50,000 or imprisonment of up to six months or both for failing to clean water tanks as per the prescribed frequency or standards.
Therefore, regular cleaning can save money in the long run by ensuring clean and safe water for health, hygiene, and well-being.
Conclusion
In conclusion, neglecting water tank cleaning in Karachi can pose serious dangers to health, the environment, and the economy. Water tanks should be cleaned regularly by hiring professional services or doing it yourself. Clean water tanks can provide clean and safe water for health, hygiene, and well-being.
Clean water tanks can also save money in the long run by avoiding or reducing medical, repair, replacement, or penalty bills. Clean water tanks can also contribute to a healthier and greener Karachi for everyone.
Additional Resources
Here are some additional resources that may be useful for further information or guidance on water tank cleaning in Karachi:
- SBCA Guidelines for Water Tank Cleaning
- KWSB Water Quality Report
- WHO Guidelines for Drinking-water Quality
