Reuse Waste Water To Avoid Water Crisis

A recent assessment conducted the by Inter – Governmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) a global scientific body set up to advise the United Nations on matters relating climate change, shows that 12 countries in West Africa will be limited to 1000 metre cube of water by the year 2020.

Since Ghana, as a country is also among these 12 West African Countries, experts and stakeholders in the sector has reiterated the need to consider the re-use of waste water in order to swerve this water crisis as predicted.

Already, it has been estimated that, more than 3million people in Ghana lack access to improved drinking water sources.
More so, urban immigration keeps increasing day in and day out and more people are expected to live in cities. In Ghana, apart from climate change , other man-made activities are also polluting our water bodies.

Wastewater treatment and reuse in agriculture can also provides to farmers in conserving fresh water resources , improving soil integrity , preventing pesticides and fertilizer discharge to surface and waters and improving economic efficiency

However, as parts its effort of creating awareness on essence of reusing Wastewater in the country, the the National Planning Committee of World Water Day celebrations in Ghana under auspices of the Ministry of Sanitation held a media briefing in Accra.

The media briefing also forms part the media campaign activities outlined by the Planning Committee to mark this year’s National Celebration of World Water Day which has been themed: “ Water and Wastewater”.

The campaign is also aimed at exposing journalists to and engender media reportage on water related issues in Ghana.

In interview with a Research Scientist, Water Research Institute (CSIR) Mr. Samuel Obiri, he indicated that, countries such as Singapore facing water crisis has adopted the approach towards solving their acute water problems by reusing wastewater.

Adding that, in order to achieve this gallant goal, there was the need for the government put in place strong policy frameworks that would encourage all and sundry in the country to adopt the new approach in the country.

According to him, waste waters emanating from the hospitals, companies , flashing of water closets can be treated and reused; while preserving and conserving the fresh water for other purposes to cut down bills on water bills on water supply. “We can even drink this treated water”, he added.

The Water Research Institute (CSIR) is ready to advise individuals and industries who eager to adopt this new approach.

This he said, all industries to adopt effective approach to waste water treatment and optimization in recycling waste water for other uses and also discharge to the environment.