Here’s a shocking fact: according to UNICEF, 

Researchers conservatively estimate that every year, there are as many as 4 million cholera cases globally and as many as 143,000 deaths.

 And the culprit? It’s often hiding in plain sight – in the very water people drink to survive.

Cholera is like an unwanted guest that shows up uninvited, brought in by contaminated water. It doesn’t discriminate – young or old, rich or poor, it can affect anyone who drinks from a tainted source. But here’s the kicker: this deadly disease has a simple weakness. Clean, safe water can stop it in its tracks.

In many parts of the world, getting clean water isn’t as easy as turning on a tap. Imagine having to choose between drinking potentially dangerous water or having no water at all. It’s a choice no one should have to make, yet millions do every single day.

This article isn’t just about a disease. It’s about how something as basic as water – which many of us take for granted – can be the difference between life and death. We’ll look into the dirty world of cholera and unclean water, exploring how they work together to cause havoc, and more importantly, how we can fight back. Because in the battle against cholera, knowledge isn’t just power – it is lifesaving.

So let’s see how this simple entity that makes up 60% of our bodies, can also be our strongest ally in the fight against a deadly disease.

Understanding Cholera

Cholera is not a virus or a worm, but a type of bacteria called Vibrio cholerae. This bacterium creeps into your body through the water you drink and the food you eat. It is an expert at hitching a ride in dirty water and making themselves at home in people’s guts.

What Cholera Does to Your Body

Once cholera gets inside your body, it starts causing trouble fast. Here’s what happens:

1. The bacteria settle in your intestines (that’s the tube where your body absorbs water from food).
2. They start making a poison that tricks your intestines into pushing out way too much water and salts (electrolytes)
3. This leads to severe diarrhoea – we’re talking frequent visits to the toilet to dump watery stools.
4. Your body loses water so quickly that you can get dangerously dehydrated in just hours.

Some people who get cholera don’t feel sick at all. But for others, it’s like their body turns into a tap that won’t turn off. They get really weak, their skin gets wrinkly like they’ve been in a bath too long, and their eyes can sink into their head. Without quick help, a person can die in just hours.

How Cholera Spreads: The Dirty Water Connection

Here’s the thing about cholera – it’s not picky about how it travels. It just needs a way to get from one person’s faeces into another person’s mouth. Gross, right? But in places without good toilets or clean water, it happens more often than you’d think.

Cholera spreads when:

• Faeces from a sick person gets into water that people drink
• People use dirty water to wash food or dishes
• Flies land on faeces and then on food

The scary part is that it doesn’t take much. Just a tiny drop of contaminated water – too small to see – can have enough cholera bacteria to make someone sick.

In places with good toilets and clean water systems, cholera doesn’t stand a chance. But in areas where people have to poo outside or drink from rivers and ponds, cholera can spread like wildfire.

The Link Between Unclean Water and Cholera: A Dangerous Partnership

The connection between unclean water and cholera is like a dangerous friendship that puts millions of lives at risk. Let’s break down how this harmful partnership works.

How Water Gets Contaminated

Water doesn’t start out bad. It becomes a problem when it gets mixed with contaminants and in this case, faeces from people who have cholera. This can happen in many ways such as:

1. Open Toilets: In some places, people have to poo outside because they don’t have toilets. When it rains, this poo can wash into rivers or lakes.
2. Leaky Pipes: Old or broken pipes can let dirty water seep into clean water supplies.
3. Unsafe Wells: Wells that aren’t built properly can let surface water (which might be contaminated) mix with groundwater.
4. Floods: When big storms cause flooding, they can spread contaminated water all over the place.

The Cycle of Infection

Once water is contaminated, it becomes a cholera taxi service. Here’s how the cycle keeps going:

1. Someone drinks water with cholera bacteria in it.
2. They get sick and have diarrhoea, which has even more cholera bacteria.
3. If this diarrhoea gets into water sources, it contaminates them.
4. Other people drink this newly contaminated water.
5. More people get sick, and the cycle continues.

It’s like a never-ending game of tag, where cholera keeps “tagging” new people through water.

Why It’s Hard to Break the Cycle

Breaking this cycle isn’t as easy as just telling people to drink clean water. In many places where cholera is common:

• Clean water is scarce or expensive.
• People might not know their water is unsafe.
• There aren’t good systems for treating sewage or providing clean water.

Plus, cholera bacteria can live in water for a long time. Even if everyone stopped getting sick today, the bacteria could still be out there, waiting in the water.

Impact of Cholera Outbreaks

When cholera hits a community, it’s like a storm that affects everything in its path. It’s not just about people getting sick – cholera can turn whole communities upside down. Let’s look at how these outbreaks cause trouble in different ways.

Health Consequences

The most obvious impact of cholera is on people’s health. But it’s more serious than just a stomach upset:

• Severe Dehydration: Cholera makes people lose water fast. Without quick treatment, this can lead to shock, organ failure, and even death.
• Spread to Vulnerable Groups: Cholera hits hardest in children, older folks, and people who are already sick.
• Overwhelmed Hospitals: When lots of people get sick at once, hospitals can run out of beds, medicine, and staff.
• Long-term Health Issues: Even after getting better, some people might have ongoing health problems from being so sick.

Economic Effects

Cholera doesn’t just make people sick – it can make whole communities poor:

• Lost Work Days: When people are sick or caring for sick family members, they can’t work.
• Healthcare Costs: Treating cholera can be expensive, especially for families that are already struggling.
• Reduced Tourism: News of a cholera outbreak can scare away visitors, hurting businesses that rely on tourism.
• Agricultural Losses: If farmers get sick during harvest time, crops can rot in the fields.

Social Disruption: When Communities Fall Apart

Cholera can change how people live and interact:

• School Closures: Children might miss school, falling behind in their learning.
• Fear and Mistrust: People might avoid each other, fearing they’ll get sick.
• Stigma: Those who’ve had cholera might be treated differently, even after they’re better.
• Strained Resources: Fighting over clean water can lead to conflicts in communities.

Long-Term Community Impact

The effects of a cholera outbreak can last long, even after the last person gets better, the impact will still be felt. 

• Delayed Development: Money that was meant for things like new schools or roads might get used for emergency healthcare instead.
• Population Movement: People might leave areas hit by cholera, changing the makeup of communities.
• Increased Poverty: The combination of health and economic impacts can push families into long-term poverty.

The Ripple Effect

Think of a cholera outbreak like dropping a stone in a pond. The splash is the immediate sickness, but the ripples spread out, affecting health, money, and community life. 

Challenges in Preventing Cholera

Stopping cholera sounds simple: just give everyone clean water, right? But in real life, it’s much harder than that. Let’s look at the big roadblocks that make fighting cholera tough.

Limited Access to Clean Water: The Root of the Problem

Take a moment to think of this scenario – your tap only worked for an hour a day, or you had to walk miles to get water. How would you cope? For many people, this is their reality:

• Not Enough Water: Some places don’t have enough water for everyone.
• Dirty Water Sources: Rivers and wells that people use might be contaminated.
• Expensive Water: Clean water can cost too much for poor families.
• Far-Away Water: People might have to travel far to get clean water, which is hard and time-consuming.

Poor Infrastructure: When the Basics Are Missing

Infrastructure means the basic things a community needs to work well. In many places hit by cholera, these basic things are missing:

• No Toilets: Without proper toilets, poop can get into water sources.
• Bad Pipes: Old or broken pipes can let dirty water mix with clean water.
• No Treatment Plants: Without plants to clean water, it stays dirty.
• Poor Drainage: When it rains, dirty water can flood areas and spread germs.

Lack of Education About Hygiene: When People Don’t Know the Risks 

Sometimes, people might not know how to stay safe from cholera like: 

• Hand Washing: Not everyone knows how important it is to wash hands often.
• Safe Water Practices: People might not know how to make water safe to drink.
• Food Safety: Cooking and cleaning food safely isn’t common knowledge everywhere.
• Recognizing Symptoms: If people don’t know the signs of cholera, they might not get help fast enough.

Other Big Challenges

• Poverty: When people are very poor, they might not be able to afford basic things like soap for washing.
• Crowded Living: In cramped spaces, diseases spread fast.
• Climate Change: Floods and droughts can make water problems worse.
• Political Issues: Some governments don’t make clean water a priority.

Why It’s Hard to Fix

Solving these problems isn’t quick or easy:

• It Costs a Lot: Building water systems and toilets is expensive.
• It Takes Time: Changing habits and building infrastructure doesn’t happen overnight.
• It’s Complicated: Fixing water issues means dealing with environment, health, and money problems all at once.

The Big Picture

These challenges show why cholera isn’t just a health problem – it’s tied to poverty, education, and how communities are built. Tackling cholera means facing all these issues head-on. It’s a big job, but understanding these challenges is the first step in finding real solutions.

Solutions and Interventions

Now that we know the problems, let’s talk about solutions. Fighting cholera isn’t easy, but there are ways to beat it. Here’s how people around the world are working to stop this nasty disease.

The Power of Clean Water

Having clean water is like shutting down the channel through which cholera passes. Here’s what is being done:

• Water Treatment: Using chemicals or filters to make water safe to drink.
• Protected Wells: Building wells that keep out surface water which might be dirty.
• Piped Water: Bringing clean water directly to homes through safe pipes.
• Water Testing: Regularly checking water to make sure it stays clean.

Sanitation Improvements

Good toilets and proper sewage disposal are key to stopping cholera:

• Building Toilets: Giving people safe, clean places to poo.
• Sewage Systems: Creating ways to safely remove and treat poo and dirty water.
• Waste Treatment: Cleaning dirty water before it goes back into rivers or the ground.
• Handwashing Stations: Putting soap and water where people need it, like near toilets and in markets.

Education and Awareness

Teaching people about cholera can stop it from spreading:

• Hygiene Lessons: Showing people how and when to wash their hands properly.
• Safe Water Practices: Teaching ways to make water safe at home, like boiling or using chlorine tablets.
• Recognizing Cholera: Helping people spot the signs of cholera so they can get help fast.
• Community Health Workers: Training local people to spread health information in their neighbourhoods.

Quick Action When Cholera Strikes

Sometimes, despite best efforts, cholera still shows up. Here’s what is done then:

• Oral Rehydration: Giving people with cholera a special drink (ORS – oral rehydration solution) that replaces lost water and salts.
• Setting Up Treatment Centres: Creating special areas to treat lots of cholera patients quickly.
• Contact Tracing: Finding people who’ve been in contact with cholera patients to stop it from spreading.
• Emergency Water Supply: Bringing in safe water to affected areas fast.

Long-Term Strategies

Beating cholera for good means thinking ahead:

• Improving Living Conditions: Working to reduce poverty and overcrowding.
• Better City Planning: Designing towns and cities with good water and sanitation in mind.
• Climate Change Action: Working to stop floods and droughts that can make water problems worse.

Working Together

Solving the cholera problem isn’t a one-person or even a one-country job:

• Government Action: Countries making laws and spending money on clean water.
• International Aid: Rich countries helping poorer ones build water systems.
• NGO Work: Groups like Aqua Maya bringing expertise and resources to fight cholera.
• Community Involvement: Local people taking charge of their own water and health.

These solutions show that beating cholera is possible. It takes work, money, and time. With the right tools and teamwork, cholera can be stopped for good.

The Broader Impact of Clean Water 

Clean water has benefits that go far beyond just preventing cholera. Here are some of the key ways it helps:

• Reduction in Waterborne Diseases: When people have access to clean water, it reduces the chances of getting sick from cholera and other diseases like typhoid, and dysentery. These illnesses are common in areas with dirty water, but clean water can help stop them from spreading.

• Improved Health Outcomes, Especially for Children: Children are often the most affected by unclean water. Many suffer from severe dehydration and other health problems caused by diseases like cholera. Clean water keeps them healthy and strong, allowing them to grow and learn properly.

• Economic Development Opportunities: When communities have clean water, they spend less time dealing with sickness, and people can focus on their jobs or education. Clean water creates a healthier and more productive environment, which opens up opportunities for economic growth. For example, farmers can grow more crops, and children can stay in school.

Call to Action

It’s clear that clean water plays a huge role in protecting people from cholera and other waterborne diseases. Here’s how you can help:

1.Supporting Organisations like Aqua Maya: Aqua Maya is on the front lines, bringing clean water to communities that need it the most. By supporting our work, you’re helping to prevent cholera outbreaks, saving lives as a result.

2.How Individuals Can Contribute to the Cause: You don’t need to be a big organisation to make a difference. You can donate, volunteer, or simply spread awareness about the importance of clean water. Every small action counts toward the bigger goal.

3.Vision of a Cholera-Free Future: Imagine a future where no one has to suffer from cholera. By ensuring access to clean water and educating people about hygiene, we can move closer to that reality. It’s a goal worth striving for, and with your help, it is possible.

Conclusion

Cholera outbreaks are closely tied to unclean water, and this makes access to clean water an urgent need. Through our efforts at Aqua Maya and with support from people like you, we can prevent these outbreaks and create healthier, stronger communities.

The fight against cholera isn’t just about stopping the disease, it’s about making sure everyone has the basic right to safe, clean water. By working together, we can create a lasting, positive change and look forward to a future where cholera is no longer a threat.

References:

1. UNICEF. 2023. Cholera is endangering children globally. https://www.unicef.org/stories/cholera-is-endangering-children-globally

2. CDC. 2024. Cholera. https://www.cdc.gov/cholera/about/index.html

3. Mayo Clinic. 2022. Cholera – Symptoms & causes. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cholera/symptoms-causes/syc-20355287

4. Hrdinka, Tomáš & Novický, Oldřich & Hanslík, Eduard & Rieder, Mark. (2012). Possible impacts of floods and droughts on water quality. Journal of Hydro-environment Research. 6. 145–150. 10.1016/j.jher.2012.01.008. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/257639999_Possible_impacts_of_floods_and_droughts_on_water_quality

5. healthline. 2022. How Oral Solutions Help to Manage Dehydration. https://www.healthline.com/health/oral-rehydration-solution

Water is life. Every day, we rely on it for drinking, cooking, and cleaning. But just because it’s clear, doesn’t mean it’s clean. Now that’s where we at Aqua Maya come in. We are committed to bringing clean, safe and sustainable water solutions to communities in West Africa. 

Contaminated water can sneak into our homes without us even noticing, leading to serious health problems. Safe drinking water is something we often take for granted, but it’s crucial to stay aware of any changes in your water’s taste, appearance, or smell. 

If you’ve ever wondered whether the water you’re drinking is safe, you’re not alone. Let’s explore the common signs that tell your drinking water might be contaminated and what you can do to protect yourself.

Signs to watch for

1. Odd Taste or Smell

One of the first red flags of contaminated water is a change in taste or smell. If your water has a metallic, salty, or chemical-like taste, there’s a chance it’s been contaminated by harmful substances like lead, chlorine, or industrial chemicals. Sometimes, a rotten egg smell might point to sulphur, which though unpleasant, isn’t necessarily dangerous but still needs attention.

2. Discolouration

While clean water should be clear, discoloured water is a strong sign that something is wrong. If your water appears yellow, brown or has a rusty tint, it might be a sign of contaminants like iron, manganese, or even bacteria. A green or blue hue could indicate copper contamination, which can come from corroded pipes.

3. Cloudiness

Cloudy water, also known as “turbidity,” means there are particles floating in your water. This can be due to soil runoff, sediment, or even microscopic organisms. While not all cloudy water is harmful, it’s always best to avoid drinking it until it’s been tested.

4. Slippery Feel

Water should feel refreshing and clean. If your tap water feels slippery or slimy, it could indicate an excess of minerals like calcium or magnesium, which might point to hard water. While hard water isn’t a health hazard, it can be tough on your skin, hair, and appliances.

5. Sediment in the Water

If you notice bits of dirt or particles at the bottom of your glass or in your sink, your water may be carrying sediment or rust from old pipes. Sediment can also come from underground sources, like eroded soil, which might be a sign of poor filtration or pipe damage.

6. Frequent Illness

If you and your family are constantly battling gastrointestinal issues like diarrhoea, vomiting, or stomach cramps, your water might be the culprit. Microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, and parasites can find their way into your water supply, causing frequent bouts of illness.

7. Lead Exposure

Lead is a sneaky contaminant because it’s invisible, odourless, and tasteless. It often enters drinking water through the corrosion of old pipes. Long-term exposure to lead can cause serious health problems, especially in children and pregnant women, leading to developmental delays, learning disabilities, and other health issues.

8. Stains on Fixtures, Appliances or Clothing

If you start noticing strange stains on your dishes, laundry, or fixtures, your water might contain an excess of minerals or chemicals. Orange or brown stains usually point to iron, while blue-green stains might indicate copper.

9. Changes in Water Pressure

A sudden drop in water pressure might be more than just a plumbing problem. It could mean that something’s wrong with your water supply, like a blockage in the pipes caused by rust or mineral buildup, or worse—damage to the local water system.

10. Unexplained Odour in the House

Sometimes, contaminated water isn’t obvious in taste or colour, but it can still release an odour in your home, especially around sinks, faucets, or toilets. The smell might not even come directly from the water but from what’s building up in your plumbing as a result of contamination.

What Can You Do If Your Water Is Contaminated?

So, what should you do if you notice any of the signs mentioned above? First, don’t panic. Here are some steps you can take:

• Get your water tested: This is the most reliable way to know if your water is contaminated and to what extent.
• Install a water filter: Depending on the type of contamination, a simple home filter could solve your problem.
• Consider bottled or boiled water: If contamination is severe, avoid using tap water for drinking or cooking until it’s declared safe.

How to Test Your Drinking Water

Testing your water is the best way to know for sure if it’s safe to drink. While water contamination can sometimes be obvious (discolouration, bad smell, etc.), other times it’s invisible and undetectable without proper testing. Here’s a simple guide on how to test your drinking water and make sure it’s safe for you and your family.

1. Use Your Senses for a Quick Check

Before deciding on using testing kits and labs, use your basic senses:

● Smell: Does your water smell like chlorine, sulphur (like rotten eggs), or anything unusual?

● Taste: Does your water taste metallic, bitter, or otherwise strange?

● Look: Is the water cloudy, discoloured, or has particles floating in it?

These are early warning signs that something might be off, but for a more accurate assessment, you’ll need to test the water properly.

2. Buy a Home Water Testing Kit

Home water testing kits are widely available and easy to use. These kits can test for common contaminants like bacteria, lead, chlorine, nitrates, pH levels, and more. Here’s how to use one:

● Step 1: Buy a kit from a reputable store or online retailer.

● Step 2: Follow the instructions. Typically, you’ll fill a small container with a sample of your tap water.

● Step 3: Use the included strips or testing solutions. These might change colour based on the presence of specific contaminants.

● Step 4: Compare the results to the colour chart provided in the kit.

These kits can provide a good baseline but may not detect all possible contaminants, especially at very low levels.

3. Send a Sample to a Certified Lab

For a more thorough and accurate test, you can send your water to a certified lab. This is a great option if you’re worried about serious contamination, like lead or harmful bacteria, or if you live in an older home with outdated pipes. 

● Step 1: Contact a local water testing lab. Many labs will send you a sample collection kit.

● Step 2: Collect a water sample according to the lab’s instructions. This usually involves filling a sterile bottle or container with tap water.

● Step 3: Send the sample back to the lab and wait for your results. These tests can take a few days to a couple of weeks, but they are much more detailed than home kits.

Some labs can test for hundreds of potential contaminants, from heavy metals like arsenic and mercury to pesticides and industrial chemicals.

4. Visit Your Local Water Board

If you’re connected to a public water supply, you can visit your local water board to find out what’s in your water. For instance, if you’re in FCT Nigeria, you can visit the FCT Water Board. 

5. Test Well Water / Borehole Water Regularly

If your home relies on well water or borehole water, it’s crucial to test it regularly because it’s not treated or monitored by the city. Well water can be contaminated by runoff, industrial waste, or even naturally occurring substances like radon or arsenic.

● Step 1: Test your well water at least once a year. You can use a home kit for a basic test, but sending it to a lab will give you the most accurate results.

● Step 2: If you notice any sudden changes in taste, colour, or odour, test your well or borehole water immediately.

6. Hire a Professional

If you’re unsure about using a home kit or need a comprehensive test, consider hiring a professional water testing service. A technician can come to your home, collect samples, and perform on-site testing or send the samples to a lab for you. This is especially helpful if you’re facing ongoing issues with your water supply.

Common Contaminants to Test For:

● Lead: Particularly common in older homes with lead pipes or fixtures.

● Bacteria: Such as E. coli, which can cause severe illness.

● Nitrates: Come from fertilisers or septic systems and can be harmful to infants.

● Chlorine: Often added to public water supplies to disinfect, but too much can be harmful.

● Heavy Metals: Like mercury, arsenic, and cadmium, often from industrial runoff.

● Pesticides: Found in water near agricultural areas.

Conclusion

Whether you use a simple home testing kit or send samples to a professional lab, understanding the quality of your drinking water is essential for protecting yourself and your family from potential health risks. Regular testing, especially if you notice anything unusual, ensures your water is safe for daily use. The water you drink every day is as important as life itself. Pay attention to the signs of contamination and take quick action. Be informed, stay safe, and always make sure the water you drink every day is truly clean.

References: 

1. Kinetico. 2024. Common Water Problems. https://www.kineticonorthernmichigan.com/what-we-do/common-water-problems/

2. Copper Development Association Inc. 2024. Why Do I Have Blue/Green Staining of My Bathroom Fixtures?https://copper.org/applications/plumbing/techcorner/staining_bathroom_fixtures.php

3. WHO. 2023. Radon. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/radon-and-health

4. WHO. 2022. Arsenic. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/arsenic

5. WHO. 2017. Chemical Safety and Health – Mercury. https://www.who.int/teams/environment-climate-change-and-health/chemical-safety-and-health/health-impacts/chemicals/mercury

6. WHO. 2017. Chemical Safety and Health – Cadmium. https://www.who.int/teams/environment-climate-change-and-health/chemical-safety-and-health/health-impacts/chemicals/cadmium