Covid-19 In A Water-Stressed Nation

During the present COVID-19 pandemic, we are advised to wash hands frequently with soap and that too for a minimum of 20 seconds. But, have you thought what effect will it have on a water-stressed nation such as India? In this article, Niyati Seth and Sonia Grover highlight that currently, the challenge for the government is not only to combat the pandemic but also of rising water demand during peak summer months. Perhaps, a simple initiative of closing the tap while not in use during washing hands can reduce water wastage; such simple steps undertaken at an individual level can bring about a change which is much needed to face such critical situations.

- Niyati Seth and Sonia Grover

Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6 aims to ensure access to safe drinking water and sanitation to all and we are still far behind to reach this target by 2030. Additionally, the Government of India launched its flagship programme on access to functional tap water in 2019—Jal Jeevan Mission with an aim to provide access of safe drinking water to each and every household in the country by 2024. Statistics show that by March 31, 2020, only 20.81 per cent of rural households have received functional household tap connections. In cities also, there are many areas or unauthorized colonies which do not get tap water. There is an everyday struggle to fetch water from common taps or tankers. India, a water-stressed nation with per capita annual availability of 1441 cubic metres in 2015 is soon proceeding towards water scarcity (1100 cubic metres), and therefore needs to manage its resources judiciously.

During the present coronavirus pandemic, where we are advised to wash hands frequently and that too for a minimum of 20 seconds, do these figures support our fight against this enemy? The average flow rate of a household tap is 4–6 litres per minute (lpm), and considering a person washing hands for at least 6 times a day, leads to a consumption of 9–10 litres. A simple initiative of closing the tap while not in use can reduce this usage; such simple steps undertaken at an individual level can bring about a change which is much needed to face such critical situations. Moreover, people have started to sanitize and disinfect their homes more often than the usual which would have an additional impact on the demand. Probably we would overcome this pandemic but it does leave us with some important lessons to be prepared for another unprecedented event.