Water shortage in the Philippines threatens sustainable development and health

Everyone, everywhere has the right to water. Unfortunately, billions of people around the world have no access to safely managed drinking water, defined as water that is accessible on premises, available when needed and free from contamination. In the Philippines, around 1 in 10 people still do not have access to improved water sources.

Water-related advocacy such as World Water Day, celebrated every 22 March, is crucial in bringing global attention to the importance of water. This year’s World Water Day theme is ‘Leaving no one behind’.

“Water is an extremely important resource that we cannot live without. But there are Filipinos who are still being left behind in terms of access to improved water sources, especially in rural communities,” said Dr Gundo Weiler, WHO Representative in the Philippines.

In 2016, one of the top 10 leading causes of death in the Philippines was acute watery diarrhoea, claiming over 139 000 lives.

The situation could worsen as the country is beset by the El Niño phenomenon and climate change that contribute to increase in temperature, drying up our water sources. The recent water shortage in Metro Manila also highlights the uncertainty of water access even in the nation’s capital.

Inadequate and intermittent water supply in Metro Manila and in other parts of the country can have serious health consequences. When water is scarce, people are often forced to rely on drinking water sources that may not be safe. They may also lack sufficient water for basic hygiene - to wash themselves and their clothes, and to prevent infection including from foodborne and waterborne diseases. Low or negative water pressure in pipes due to short supply can attract contaminants that will put water quality at risk when the supply is restored.

In addition, limited supply obliges people to store more water. If not handled properly, this will provide more opportunity for mosquitoes to breed and consequently increase the cases of mosquito-borne diseases, such as dengue fever.

“Individuals can contribute in their own ways to protect their health from the impact of scarce water resources by conserving and recycling water, making sure the water they drink is safe, and covering water containers to protect against contamination and vectors,” said Engr Bonifacio Magtibay, environmental health technical officer in WHO Philippines.

While individual contributions are vital, governments still have the obligation to provide safe and reliable drinking water sources to people through long-term solutions. As it stands, too much reliance on surface water such as rivers and lakes as well as groundwater will not be sustainable in the future due to the climate reality and increasing water demand from the population.

“Strategies such as the application of improved rainwater collection systems and state-of the-art desalination technologies coupled with renewable energies can be used in the Philippines,” explained Engr Magtibay. “By adopting innovative and long-term solutions, the Philippines can ensure water for all that will protect the peoples’ health and help drive sustainable development forward.”

The World Health Organization is working with the Philippines Department of Health and other sector agencies to ensure safe water for all through the development and implementation of water safety planning, strengthening systems and capacity for drinking-water quality surveillance and monitoring, and improvement of water, sanitation, and hygiene in health care facilities.