Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
appreciated. Currently, water and sanitation programs have a priority for funding as a
means for the provision of sustainable development. Such types of projects have been
implemented in the past as well. They show that the project ends with the construction of
the planned technical structure. After that, the local community is responsible for its
operation and maintenance, and in many cases, the results are not satisfactory. Such type
of projects should make provision for the proper training of the personnel involved and
regular control of the level of operation and maintenance during a substantial period of
time.
6.5
Economic conditions and water quality management
Water quality management in general and diffuse pollution control in particular, require
extensive, regular and sustained efforts in terms of the provision of technical background,
laboratories, transport arrangements, trained personal, institutional arrangements and
financial support. During periods of economic and/ or social instability and decline, such
types of efforts become unsustainable and the quality of the process is drastically
reduced. Most often the water quality monitoring programs suffer most where the
frequency of sampling falls down to very rare sampling occasions, or the number of
sampling points is reduced considerably. In such cases, preference is usually given to the
control of potable water supply only, in order to avoid imminent public health hazards.
The diffuse pollution monitoring and control, in most cases, is left out of the scope of the
monitoring process. Simultaneously, informal discharges of sewage from municipal or
industrial origin would increase, due to economic hardships and lack of regular
maintenance programs. Also, unfavorable economic and social conditions would enhance
the formation of informal settlements or the overpopulation of the low-income urban
residential areas, which would lead to an additional pollution load. Therefore, the
successful implementation of water quality control and diffuse pollution abatement is
very strongly related to the social and economic status of a country. This is most valid for
urban areas. Thus, the successful implementation of programs related to water quality
management and public health protection should be viewed as an integrated part of the
sustainable and peaceful development of the whole society.
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