Biology Reference
In-Depth Information
introduction. 23 Thus, so far, many residents still depend on purifiers and
bottled water as the safest option. Putting the new standards into practice
is likely to be difficult. 24
11.2.4. Africa
The drinking water situation across Africa is improving; 322 million peo-
ple across the continent have gained access to an improved drinking water
source since 1990, and the number of those using a piped drinking water
source onto their premises rose from 147 million to 271 million between
1990 and 2010. However, the continent is still failing to deliver treated
or improved drinking water to all, with 115 million still drawing directly
on surface water for their drinking needs in 2010. 25 The situation in
Africa is somewhat different from other parts of the world with regard
to the identification and effective removal of pathogens from drinking
water. Given the region's limited investment options, money is likely to
be spent on improving infrastructure before improvements to pathogen
monitoring and control are considered. It is also important to note that
the pathogens regarded as problematic in Europe, North America and
other regions are well down the priority list in Africa, where much more
serious public health problems—often that are a threat to life, not simply
well-being—exist.
11.2.5. Australia
The framework for water supply in Australia is reasonably similar to that
of England and Wales, with economic regulators setting the price and
public bodies regulating the water standards. 19 Due to the enormous size
of Australia, water is regulated within, and by, each state of the country and
each has its own regulations and responsibilities for their water sector. 19
Water companies are state-owned, vary by structure and have a considerable
size range, with some serving only 500,000 customers and some serving up
to 1.5 million. 19
Water in Australia is treated in a similar process to that used in the UK
prior to delivery to communities. The process, again, includes coagulation,
sedimentation, filtration and disinfection, with chlorine being most widely
used for this. 3 Australia has a much wider area to deliver water supplies to
than the UK, and responsibility lies with each state or territory. Australian
Drinking Water Guidelines must be followed and there are a number of
different agencies involved in water supply systems, including agriculture
departments, environment departments and local authorities, with the
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