During this time of the year, the risk of waterborne diseases such as diarrhoea, dysentery and cholera among others increases due to water contamination from sewage and garbage. Diarrhoea and dysentery alone claimed 15 lives between 2017 to 2021 according to the Annual Health Bulletin. The health ministry’s public health department says it’s crucial to take extra precautions with drinking water during the monsoon. Boiling and filtering water, as well as ensuring the cleanliness of storage tanks are simple yet effective ways to protect health and avoid waterborne diseases.
As people are more exposed to water and humidity during monsoons, the probability of contracting waterborne diseases is much higher than at any other time of the year.
In Bhutan, though cases of diarrhoea and dysentery are on a decline according to figures published in the Annual Health Bulletin 2022, there were as many as over 30,000 cases of the diseases in 2021. Diarrhoea claimed 14 lives while one person died due to dysentery in the five years between 2017 to 2021.
In Thimphu, despite challenges, people are taking measures to ensure safe water for consumption.
“In Kabesa, the monsoon water is always dirty. To make it safe for drinking, we let the water settle in a bucket for about three hours until the dirt settles at the bottom. Then, we use clear water on top and discard the rest,” said Nima Tenzin, a resident.
“At my home, we boil the water, filter it through a clean cloth, and then use a water filter. Directly drinking monsoon water can be dangerous and lead to waterborne diseases,” said Nima Dema, another resident.
“We make sure that we drink boiled water. Although our house owner cleans the tank and adds disinfectants, we still fear contamination. It can result in diarrhoea, dysentery, and stomach ache,” said Tshering Dema, a resident.
According to the health ministry’s department of public health, while the sources are clean, contamination often occurs as pipes run through drains.
“Drinking water should be clear and clean, without any colour. Boiling and filtering the water before drinking is essential. Regularly cleaning the water tank and using disinfectants to kill bacteria is also crucial,” said Rixin Jamtsho, the chief programme officer, department of public health.
He further cautioned against storing boiled water for more than 48 hours as it can lead to the growth of parasites, making it unfit for consumption.
Additionally, he said swimming in streams during the monsoon can also cause waterborne diseases.
The situation isn’t unique to Thimphu. According to the World Health Organisation, as of last year more than two billion people in water-stressed countries, impacted by climate change and population growth, face similar challenges.
Namgay Dema
Edited by Sonam Pem
