Water is essential for life, health, and hygiene. It is used for drinking, cooking, washing, bathing, and many other purposes. However, not all water is safe and clean. In fact, contaminated water can cause serious diseases and health problems. Therefore, it is important to ensure that the water we use is of good quality and free from harmful impurities.
One of the ways to ensure a clean water supply is to use water tanks. Water tanks are containers that store water for later use. They can be installed in homes, buildings, or public places. They can also be connected to pipes, pumps, or filters to distribute water to different points of use.
However, water tanks are not always clean themselves. Over time, they can accumulate dirt, sediment, bacteria, algae, fungi, and other impurities that can affect the quality and safety of the water they store. Therefore, it is important to clean water tanks regularly and properly to prevent water contamination and ensure health and hygiene.
The purpose of this article is to explain the importance of water tank cleaning for health and hygiene in Karachi. It will also discuss the need for clean water in Karachi, the types and problems of water tanks, the health implications of unclean water tanks, the role and benefits of water tank cleaning, the water tank cleaning process, the options for hiring professional water tank cleaners or doing it yourself, the regulations and guidelines in Karachi, and the ways to raise awareness and promote community initiatives for clean water.
The Need for Clean Water in Karachi
Karachi is the largest and most populous city in Pakistan. It is also the economic, cultural, and political hub of the country. It has a diverse and vibrant population of over 20 million people from different ethnicities, religions, languages, and backgrounds.
However, Karachi also faces many challenges and problems. One of them is the lack of clean water. According to a report by the World Health Organization (WHO), Karachi ranks among the worst cities in the world in terms of access to safe drinking water. Only 58% of the population has access to piped water supply, while the rest rely on tanker trucks, boreholes, wells, or other sources that are often contaminated or unreliable.
The demand for water in Karachi exceeds the supply by a large margin. The city needs about 1.1 billion gallons of water per day (BGD) but only receives about 0.6 BGD from its main sources: the Indus River and the Hub Dam. The gap between demand and supply is expected to widen as the population grows and urbanization increases.
The lack of clean water poses serious health risks for the people of Karachi. Waterborne diseases are common and widespread in the city. According to a study by Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH), about 40% of all hospital admissions in Karachi are due to waterborne diseases. Some of the most prevalent diseases are cholera, typhoid, diarrhea, dysentery, hepatitis A and E, giardiasis, amoebiasis, and worm infections.
The lack of clean water also affects the hygiene standards in Karachi. Poor hygiene practices such as inadequate hand washing, improper disposal of human and animal waste, unsafe food handling, and lack of sanitation facilities contribute to the spread of diseases and infections. Moreover, poor hygiene affects the quality of life, dignity, self-esteem, and social inclusion of the people.
Therefore, there is an urgent need for clean water in Karachi to ensure the health and hygiene of its citizens.
Understanding Water Tanks
Water tanks are one of the solutions to address the problem of clean water in Karachi. They can provide a reliable source of water for domestic or commercial use. They can also help reduce dependence on external sources such as tanker trucks or boreholes that may be expensive or unsafe.
There are different types of water tanks that are commonly used in Karachi. They can be classified based on their location or shape.
Types of Water Tanks Based on Location
- Overhead tanks: These are water tanks that are installed on rooftops or elevated structures. They use gravity to distribute water to lower levels or points of use. They are usually made of metal or plastic materials.
- Underground tanks: These are water tanks that are buried underground or below ground level. They use pumps or pressure systems to distribute water to higher levels or points of use. They are usually made of concrete or reinforced materials.
Types of Water Tanks Based on Shape
- Cylindrical tanks: These are water tanks that have a circular cross-section. They can be horizontal or vertical. They are usually made of metal or plastic materials.
- Rectangular tanks: These are water tanks that have a rectangular cross-section. They can be horizontal or vertical. They are usually made of concrete or reinforced materials.
- Spherical tanks: These are water tanks that have a spherical shape. They are usually used for storing large volumes of water or for high-pressure applications. They are usually made of metal or reinforced materials.
However, water tanks are not immune to contamination. Over time, they can accumulate impurities that can affect the quality and safety of the water they store.
Accumulation of Impurities in Water Tanks
Water tanks can accumulate impurities from various sources. Some of the common sources are:
- Sediment buildup: This is the accumulation of dirt, sand, silt, clay, and other solid particles that settle at the bottom or walls of the tank. Sediment buildup can occur due to the quality of the source water, the erosion of the tank material, or the ingress of external contaminants. Sediment buildup can reduce the effective volume and capacity of the tank, create a breeding ground for microorganisms, and clog the pipes and filters.
- Bacterial contamination: This is the presence of harmful bacteria such as E. coli, Salmonella, Shigella, Vibrio cholerae, and others that can cause diseases and infections. Bacterial contamination can occur due to the quality of the source water, the lack of disinfection, the growth of biofilms, or the ingress of external contaminants. Bacterial contamination can affect the taste, odor, color, and turbidity of the water, and pose serious health risks for the consumers.
- Algal contamination: This is the presence of algae such as cyanobacteria, green algae, diatoms, and others that can produce toxins and odors. Algal contamination can occur due to exposure to sunlight, the presence of nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus, or the lack of disinfection. Algal contamination can affect the taste, odor, color, and turbidity of the water, and pose serious health risks for the consumers.
- Fungal contamination: This is the presence of fungi such as molds, yeasts, and others that can produce spores and allergens. Fungal contamination can occur due to exposure to moisture, air, or organic matter, or the lack of disinfection. Fungal contamination can affect the taste, odor, color, and turbidity of the water, and pose serious health risks for the consumers.
The accumulation of impurities in water tanks can have a negative impact on the quality and safety of the water they store.
How Water Tanks Affect Water Quality
Water quality is a measure of how suitable water is for a specific purpose or use. It is determined by various physical, chemical, biological, and aesthetic parameters such as temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, hardness, conductivity, turbidity, color, odor, taste, and microbial count.
Water tanks can affect water quality in different ways. Some of them are:
- Reducing dissolved oxygen: Dissolved oxygen (DO) is the amount of oxygen that is dissolved in water. It is essential for aquatic life and aerobic microorganisms. It also helps prevent corrosion and oxidation in metal pipes and tanks. However, water tanks can reduce DO levels by increasing water temperature (which lowers DO solubility), by consuming DO through biological activity (such as respiration or decomposition), or by introducing DO-consuming substances (such as iron or manganese). Low DO levels can affect aquatic life and aerobic microorganisms, cause corrosion and oxidation in metal pipes and tanks, and promote anaerobic microorganisms (such as sulfate-reducing bacteria) that can produce hydrogen sulfide (H2S) gas.
- Increasing pH: pH is a measure of how acidic or basic water is. It ranges from 0 to 14, with 7 being neutral. pH affects many chemical reactions and biological processes in water. However, water tanks can increase pH levels by introducing alkaline substances (such as lime or cement) from the tank material or source water, by consuming acidic substances (such as carbon dioxide or organic acids) through biological activity, or by exposing water to air (which increases carbon dioxide loss). High pH levels can affect aquatic life and biological processes in water, cause scaling and precipitation in pipes and tanks, and reduce the effectiveness of disinfectants (such as chlorine).
- Changing hardness: Hardness is a measure of how much calcium and magnesium ions are dissolved in water. It affects how water feels on skin and hair, how soap lathers, and how scale forms on pipes and appliances. However, water tanks can change hardness levels by introducing hardening substances (such as calcium carbonate or magnesium sulfate) from the tank material or source water, by removing softening substances (such as sodium or potassium) through ion exchange or reverse osmosis, or by altering the pH or temperature of the water. High hardness levels can affect water feel and soap lathering, cause scaling and precipitation in pipes and tanks, and increase the consumption of detergents and energy. Low hardness levels can affect water taste and corrosion resistance, cause leaching and dissolution in pipes and tanks, and increase the risk of metal toxicity.
- Altering turbidity: Turbidity is a measure of how cloudy or clear water is. It is caused by the presence of suspended solids such as dirt, clay, silt, algae, bacteria, and organic matter. It affects how water looks and filters. However, water tanks can alter turbidity levels by introducing turbid substances from the source water or external contaminants, stirring up sediment from the bottom or walls of the tank, or by promoting biological growth in the tank. High turbidity levels can affect water appearance and filterability, reduce light penetration and photosynthesis in water, and interfere with disinfection and water quality testing. Low turbidity levels can indicate low organic matter and nutrient content in water, which can affect aquatic life and biological processes.
- Modifying color: Color is a measure of how colored water is. It is caused by the presence of dissolved substances such as iron, manganese, copper, organic matter, and others. It affects how water looks and tastes. However, water tanks can modify color levels by introducing colored substances from the source water or external contaminants, by oxidizing or reducing metal ions in the tank, or by decomposing organic matter in the tank. High color levels can affect water appearance and taste, reduce light penetration and photosynthesis in water, and interfere with disinfection and water quality testing. Low color levels can indicate low dissolved substance content in water, which can affect aquatic life and biological processes.
The impact of water tanks on water quality can have serious consequences for health and hygiene in Karachi.
Health Implications of Unclean Water Tanks
Unclean water tanks can pose serious health risks for the people of Karachi. The impurities that accumulate in water tanks can cause various diseases and infections that can affect the well-being and productivity of the population.
Waterborne Diseases in Karachi
Waterborne diseases are diseases that are transmitted through contaminated water. They are caused by pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, protozoa, helminths, and others that enter the human body through ingestion, inhalation, or contact with water. Some of the most common waterborne diseases in Karachi are:
- Cholera: Cholera is a bacterial infection that causes severe diarrhea and dehydration. It is caused by Vibrio cholerae bacteria that produce a toxin that affects the intestinal cells. It can be fatal if not treated promptly with oral rehydration solution (ORS) or intravenous fluids. Cholera outbreaks are common in Karachi due to poor sanitation conditions, flooding events, and lack of safe drinking water.
- Typhoid: Typhoid is a bacterial infection that causes fever, headache, abdominal pain, constipation or diarrhea, rash, and other symptoms. It is caused by Salmonella typhi bacteria that invade the bloodstream and organs. It can be treated with antibiotics if diagnosed early. Typhoid is endemic in Karachi due to poor hygiene practices, contaminated food and water sources, and overcrowded living conditions.
- Diarrhea: Diarrhea is a condition that causes frequent and loose stools that may be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, cramps, and dehydration. It can be caused by various pathogens such as E. coli, Shigella, Campylobacter, Rotavirus, Giardia, Cryptosporidium, and others that infect the gastrointestinal tract. It can be prevented by drinking safe water, washing hands, and eating cooked food. Diarrhea is one of the leading causes of death among children under five years old in Karachi due to malnutrition, dehydration, and co-infections.
Unclean water tanks can contribute to the transmission of these diseases by providing a reservoir for pathogens to survive and multiply, by allowing cross-contamination between different sources or users of water, and by reducing the effectiveness of disinfection methods.
Impact on Vulnerable Populations
Unclean water tanks can have a disproportionate impact on vulnerable populations such as children, the elderly, pregnant women, and people with compromised immune systems. These groups are more susceptible to infections due to their lower immunity, higher exposure, or special needs.
Children are especially at risk of waterborne diseases due to their immature immune systems, higher water consumption per body weight, and frequent contact with water and contaminated surfaces. Waterborne diseases can affect their growth, development, cognition, and education.
Elderly people are also more prone to waterborne diseases due to their declining immune systems, lower water intake, and chronic conditions. Waterborne diseases can exacerbate their existing health problems, reduce their mobility, and increase their dependency.
Pregnant women are more vulnerable to waterborne diseases due to their hormonal changes, increased water and nutrient requirements, and fetal development. Waterborne diseases can affect maternal health, pregnancy outcomes, and newborn health.
People with compromised immune systems are more susceptible to waterborne diseases due to their reduced ability to fight infections. These include people with HIV/AIDS, cancer, diabetes, organ transplants, or other conditions that weaken their immunity. Waterborne diseases can cause severe complications, opportunistic infections, and mortality.
Unclean water tanks can jeopardize the health and well-being of these vulnerable populations by exposing them to harmful pathogens that can cause serious diseases and infections.
The Economic Burden of Waterborne Diseases
Unclean water tanks can also impose a significant economic burden on the people and the society of Karachi. The economic costs of waterborne diseases include direct costs such as medical expenses, transportation costs, and funeral costs, and indirect costs such as lost productivity, income, and education.
According to a study by the Pakistan Council of Research in Water Resources (PCRWR), the annual cost of waterborne diseases in Pakistan is estimated at 112 billion rupees (about 0.7 billion US dollars), which is equivalent to 1.44% of the GDP. The study also found that about 62% of the population suffers from waterborne diseases every year and that about 40% of the hospital beds are occupied by patients with waterborne diseases.
The economic burden of waterborne diseases is especially high for low-income households that spend a large proportion of their income on health care and have limited access to safe water and sanitation facilities. Moreover, the economic burden of waterborne diseases can perpetuate the cycle of poverty and inequality by reducing the human capital, social capital, and economic opportunities of the affected individuals and communities.
Unclean water tanks can hamper the economic development and social progress of Karachi by causing substantial losses in health, wealth, and human potential.
The Role of Water Tank Cleaning
Water tank cleaning is an essential measure to prevent water contamination and ensure health and hygiene in Karachi. It involves removing the impurities that accumulate in water tanks over time and restoring the quality and safety of the stored water.
Importance of Regular Cleaning
Regular cleaning of water tanks is important for several reasons:
- It improves the quality and safety of the stored water by removing dirt, sediment, bacteria, algae, fungi, and other impurities that can affect the taste, odor, color, turbidity, pH, hardness, dissolved oxygen, and microbial count of the water.
- It prevents the transmission of waterborne diseases by eliminating pathogens that can cause cholera, typhoid, diarrhea, and other infections that can affect the health and well-being of consumers.
- It prolongs the life of water tanks by preventing corrosion, scaling, precipitation, leaching, dissolution, and other damages that can reduce the capacity, efficiency, and durability of the tanks.
- It saves costs in the long run by reducing the need for repairs, replacements, or treatments that can be expensive or ineffective.
Regular cleaning of water tanks is a simple but effective way to ensure a clean water supply and protect health and hygiene in Karachi.
Frequency of Cleaning Required
The frequency of cleaning required for water tanks depends on various factors such as:
- The type and size of the tank: Different types and sizes of tanks have different capacities, materials, shapes, and designs that affect how quickly they accumulate impurities and how easily they can be cleaned.
- The quality and source of the water: Different qualities and sources of water have different levels of contaminants, nutrients, minerals, and chemicals that affect how much they pollute or degrade the stored water.
- The usage and demand of the water: Different usages and demands of water have different impacts on how much water is stored, consumed, or wasted in the tank.
- The environmental conditions: Different environmental conditions such as temperature, humidity, sunlight, rainfall, dust, pollution, and others affect how much they influence or interfere with the quality and safety of the stored water.
Generally speaking,
- Overhead tanks should be cleaned at least once every six months.
- Underground tanks should be cleaned at least once every year.
- Cylindrical tanks should be cleaned more frequently than rectangular or spherical tanks.
- Metal or plastic tanks should be cleaned more frequently than concrete or reinforced tanks.
- Tanks that store drinking or cooking water should be cleaned more frequently than tanks that store washing or bathing water.
- Tanks that receive piped or filtered water should be cleaned less frequently than tanks that receive tanker or borehole water.
Professional vs. DIY Cleaning Methods
There are two main methods of cleaning water tanks: hiring professional water tank cleaners or doing it yourself. Both methods have their advantages and disadvantages, and the choice depends on various factors such as the type and size of the tank, the budget and time available, the skill and experience level, and personal preference.
Hiring Professional Water Tank Cleaners
Hiring professional water tank cleaners is a convenient and effective way to clean water tanks. Professional water tank cleaners have the expertise, equipment, and supplies to perform the cleaning process efficiently and safely. They can also provide a certificate of cleaning and a guarantee of quality.
Some of the advantages of hiring professional water tank cleaners are:
- They can save time and effort by doing the cleaning for you.
- They can ensure thorough and proper cleaning by following standard procedures and guidelines.
- They can prevent or minimize risks of injury, damage, or infection by using appropriate safety measures and precautions.
- They can offer customized solutions and services according to your needs and preferences.
Some of the disadvantages of hiring professional water tank cleaners are:
- They can be expensive depending on the type and size of the tank, the frequency and duration of cleaning, and the quality and reputation of the service provider.
- They can be unreliable or unavailable depending on the availability and demand of the service provider, the location and accessibility of the tank, and the weather and environmental conditions.
- They can be dishonest or unprofessional by overcharging, underperforming, or damaging your property or belongings.
Doing It Yourself
Doing it yourself is an alternative way to clean water tanks. Doing it yourself involves performing the cleaning process by yourself or with the help of others using your own equipment and supplies. You can also follow online tutorials, guides, or tips to learn how to clean water tanks.
Some of the advantages of doing it yourself are:
- You can save money by using your own resources or finding cheaper alternatives.
- You can have more control and flexibility over the cleaning process by choosing when, how, and how often to clean your tank.
- You can have more satisfaction and pride by accomplishing a task by yourself or with your family or friends.
Some of the disadvantages of doing it yourself are:
- You can waste time and effort by doing the cleaning incorrectly or inefficiently.
- You can compromise the quality and safety of the cleaning by missing some steps or details or using improper methods or materials.
- You can expose yourself or others to risks of injury, damage, or infection by not using adequate safety measures or precautions.
Benefits of Regular Water Tank Cleaning
Regular water tank cleaning can provide various benefits for the people and the society of Karachi. Some of the benefits are:
- Improved water quality: Regular water tank cleaning can improve the quality and safety of the stored water by removing dirt, sediment, bacteria, algae, fungi, and other impurities that can affect the taste, odor, color, turbidity, pH, hardness, dissolved oxygen, and microbial count of the water. Improved water quality can enhance the satisfaction and comfort of the consumers, as well as the aesthetic and functional value of the water.
- Prevention of waterborne diseases: Regular water tank cleaning can prevent the transmission of waterborne diseases by eliminating pathogens that can cause cholera, typhoid, diarrhea, and other infections that can affect the health and well-being of consumers. Prevention of waterborne diseases can reduce the morbidity and mortality rates, as well as the medical and social costs associated with them.
- Prolonging the life of water tanks: Regular water tank cleaning can prolong the life of water tanks by preventing corrosion, scaling, precipitation, leaching, dissolution, and other damages that can reduce the capacity, efficiency, and durability of the tanks. Prolonging the life of water tanks can save money and resources by avoiding or delaying repairs, replacements, or treatments that can be expensive or ineffective.
- Cost savings in the long run: Regular water tank cleaning can save costs in the long run by reducing the need for repairs, replacements, or treatments that can be expensive or ineffective. Cost savings in the long run can improve the economic and environmental sustainability of water supply and management in Karachi.
Regular water tank cleaning is a worthwhile investment that can provide multiple benefits for health, hygiene, and happiness in Karachi.
Water Tank Cleaning Process
The water tank cleaning process is a systematic procedure that involves several steps to remove the impurities from water tanks and restore the quality and safety of the stored water. The steps may vary depending on the type and size of the tank, the method and equipment used, and the service provider or individual performing the cleaning. However, a general outline of the water tank cleaning process is as follows:
Inspection and Assessment
The first step is to inspect and assess the condition of the water tank. This involves checking for any visible signs of damage, leakage, or contamination in the tank. It also involves measuring or estimating the volume and capacity of the tank. The inspection and assessment step helps to determine the scope and extent of cleaning required, as well as to identify any potential risks or challenges.
Draining and Emptying
The second step is to drain and empty the water tank. This involves removing or diverting the water supply to the tank, opening the valves or outlets, and letting the water flow out of the tank. It also involves using pumps, hoses, buckets, or other tools to speed up or facilitate the draining process. The draining and emptying step helps to prepare the tank for cleaning by getting rid of the water and impurities that are in it.
Cleaning and Disinfection
The third step is to clean and disinfect the water tank. This involves using brushes, brooms, scrapers, or other tools to scrub and remove the dirt, sediment, bacteria, algae, fungi, and other impurities that are attached to the walls, floor, ceiling, or fittings of the tank. It also involves using water, detergent, bleach, chlorine, or other chemicals to rinse and sanitize the tank. The cleaning and disinfection step helps to restore the quality and safety of the tank by eliminating the sources and traces of contamination.
Refilling and Testing
The fourth step is to refill and test the water tank. This involves closing the valves or outlets, restoring or connecting the water supply to the tank, and letting the water fill up the tank. It also involves using meters, kits, strips, or other devices to measure and check the quality and safety of the water in terms of temperature, pH, hardness, conductivity, turbidity, color, odor, taste, and microbial count. The refilling and testing step helps to verify and ensure that the water in the tank is suitable and safe for use.
The water tank cleaning process is a comprehensive procedure that requires careful planning and execution to achieve optimal results. It is advisable to follow the instructions and guidelines provided by the service provider or individual performing the cleaning. It is also advisable to seek professional help or advice if there are any doubts or difficulties in performing the cleaning.
Regulations and Guidelines in Karachi
Regulations and guidelines in Karachi are some rules and standards that govern the cleanliness and maintenance of water tanks in the city. They are issued and enforced by the municipal authorities or other relevant agencies to ensure the quality and safety of water supply and management in Karachi.
Municipal Regulations on Water Tank Cleanliness
Municipal regulations on water tank cleanliness are some rules and standards that are issued and enforced by the Karachi Water and Sewerage Board (KWSB) or other municipal bodies to ensure the cleanliness and maintenance of water tanks in the city. They include:
- The KWSB Act 1996, empowers the KWSB to regulate, control, develop, and improve the water supply and sewerage services in Karachi.
- The KWSB Water Tank Cleaning Policy 2018, outlines the objectives, scope, procedures, responsibilities, and penalties for water tank cleaning in Karachi.
- The KWSB Water Tank Cleaning Guidelines 2018, provide detailed instructions and specifications for water tank cleaning in Karachi.
According to the municipal regulations on water tank cleanliness, some of the main points are:
- All water tanks in Karachi must be cleaned at least once every six months for overhead tanks and once every year for underground tanks.
- All water tank owners or users must register their tanks with the KWSB or other municipal bodies and obtain a certificate of registration.
- All water tank owners or users must hire authorized or licensed water tank cleaners to perform the cleaning process and obtain a certificate of cleaning.
- All water tank owners or users must display the certificate of registration and cleaning on a visible place near the tank or at the entrance of the premises.
- All water tank owners or users must allow the KWSB or other municipal bodies to inspect their tanks at any time and provide them with the necessary information and documents.
- All water tank owners or users who fail to comply with the municipal regulations on water tank cleanliness will be liable to pay a fine or face legal action.
The municipal regulations on water tank cleanliness are intended to ensure the quality and safety of water supply and management in Karachi.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Penalties for non-compliance are some sanctions or consequences that are imposed on water tank owners or users who fail to comply with the municipal regulations on water tank cleanliness. They include:
- A fine of up to 10,000 rupees (about 60 US dollars) for each violation or offense.
- A disconnection of water supply or service until the violation or offense is rectified or resolved.
- A legal action or prosecution under the relevant laws or acts.
The penalties for non-compliance are meant to deter and punish the violators and offenders of the municipal regulations on water tank cleanliness.
Raising Awareness and Community Initiatives
Raising awareness and community initiatives are some efforts and activities that aim to educate and engage the public and society about the importance and benefits of water tank cleaning for health and hygiene in Karachi. They include:
Importance of Educating the Public
Educating the public is an important step to raise awareness and promote community initiatives for water tank cleaning in Karachi. Educating the public involves providing information and knowledge about:
- The significance of clean water for health and hygiene.
- The role of water tanks in ensuring clean water supply.
- The need for clean water in Karachi.
- The types and problems of water tanks.
- The health implications of unclean water tanks.
- The role and benefits of water tank cleaning.
- The frequency and methods of water tank cleaning.
- The regulations and guidelines in Karachi.
Educating the public can be done through various channels such as:
- Media campaigns such as advertisements, documentaries, articles, posters, flyers, brochures, banners, stickers, or social media posts highlight the importance and benefits of water tank cleaning in Karachi.
- Educational programs such as workshops, seminars, lectures, demonstrations, exhibitions, competitions, quizzes, games, or surveys that teach and test the knowledge and skills of water tank cleaning in Karachi.
- Community outreach such as visits, meetings, consultations, discussions, feedback, suggestions, or complaints that involve and interact with the stakeholders and beneficiaries of water tank cleaning in Karachi.
Educating the public can help to increase awareness, understanding, interest, and participation in water tank cleaning in Karachi.
Community-driven Efforts for Clean Water
Community-driven efforts for clean water are some initiatives and activities that aim to empower and mobilize the community members to take action and responsibility for ensuring clean water supply and management in Karachi. They include:
- Forming community groups such as committees, associations, clubs, or networks that organize, coordinate, and monitor the water tank cleaning activities in their respective areas or premises.
- Seeking community support such as donations, sponsorships, volunteers, or partnerships that provide financial, material, human, or technical resources for facilitating, enhancing, or expanding the water tank cleaning activities in their respective areas or premises.
- Sharing community experiences such as stories, testimonials, reviews, or feedback that showcase the challenges, successes, or impacts of the water tank cleaning activities in their respective areas or premises.
Community-driven efforts for clean water can help foster ownership, accountability, collaboration, and innovation in water tank cleaning in Karachi.
NGO and Government Programs
NGO and government programs are some interventions and services that aim to support and supplement the public and community efforts for water tank cleaning in Karachi. They include:
- Providing technical assistance such as training, guidance, advice, or supervision that improves the quality and safety of the water tank cleaning process and outcome.
- Providing financial assistance such as grants, subsidies, incentives, or discounts that reduce the cost and burden of the water tank cleaning process and outcome.
- Providing regulatory assistance such as registration, certification, inspection, or enforcement that ensures compliance and adherence to the water tank cleaning process and outcome.
NGO and government programs can help to improve the accessibility, affordability, and accountability of water tank cleaning in Karachi.
Conclusion
Water tank cleaning is an essential measure to prevent water contamination and ensure health and hygiene in Karachi. It involves removing the impurities that accumulate in water tanks over time and restoring the quality and safety of the stored water. It can provide various benefits such as improved water quality, prevention of waterborne diseases, prolonging the life of water tanks, and cost savings in the long run. It can also be done by hiring professional water tank cleaners or doing it yourself.
However, it requires regular cleaning, proper methods, and adequate safety precautions. It also requires awareness, education, and participation from the public and the community, as well as support and assistance from the NGO and government sectors. By following the regulations and guidelines in Karachi, and by engaging in community initiatives and programs, we can ensure clean water supply and management in Karachi, and thereby ensure health and hygiene for ourselves and our society.