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HEALTH AND SANITATION
Why access to water and sanitation is a human right
By Samantha Eberl
David Viola, IAPMO CEO In the spirit of the sharing of unique experiences that shape the plumbing industries in our respective nations, the following essay was a runnerup in the 2024 IWSH Essay Competition. Written by Samantha Eberl, a student at the University of British Columbia in Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada, it is the next in a regular series of similar articles that will run in this magazine. Dave Viola IAPMO CEO
Across the world, 2.1 billion people do not have taps that bring fresh water to their homes – that is 30 % of the population globally. Although the most fundamental resource flows readily for many, it is easy to take that privilege for granted. However, it should not really be a privilege, but rather a human right – available and accessible to all.
The power of water is immense. It provides a manner of maintaining public health, empowers communities and allows a nation to prosper. Otherwise, countries fall into a cycle of systemic injustice, which only increases the challenges and difficulties faced by many of their citizens. In the process, it also creates socioeconomic barriers and a classist system, in which the more privileged have the advantage of clean water whereas the less fortunate do not. Altogether, the provision of adequate water distribution is crucial for equality and growth.
The health of an individual is wholeheartedly reliant on access to clean water. As cells contain over 60 % water, and it is virtually impossible to live beyond a few days without water, human bodies are inherently reliant on this resource. So, water is a human right so that people do not suffer from dehydration, diseases and general illness. It increases the longevity of citizens and improves the general standard of living. The suffering from dehydration, especially in dry climates, is brutal. It equates to approximately 1.35 million deaths worldwide.
Although this number may not seem high, it does not account for the suffering or hardship of those who lack adequate water but manage to survive dehydration. While it is possible to sustain life with unclean sources of water, these sources frequently carry disease which can cause widespread illness, and even death. Cholera, diarrhea, dysentery, typhoid and polio are all common diseases that may be transmitted through microbiologically contaminated water. Additionally, the lack of water to sanitise surfaces can cause more illnesses. Beyond these previously-listed diseases, poor sanitation creates a risk for hepatitis A. Although many of these diseases could be treated relatively easily in privileged countries, there are often challenges and disparities in healthcare access, which heightens the risk of serious complications from disease. Moreover, the risk could be eliminated altogether with appropriate access to clean water and sanitation. Hence, the health benefits of ample water sources can create massive differences across the globe.
Water is a form of empowerment. From economical to social empowerment, and even gender equality, water provides vast opportunities for struggling communities. From the aspect of economical empowerment, water is a necessity to enter international industries like agriculture and livestock-rearing. Not only does it elevate the prowess of the local economy and increase access to other important resources, it can also grow a larger scale economy; that of an entire country. It allows lower class citizens to maintain a reasonable standard of living and have enough money to afford most necessities and critical expenses.
This access to necessities and an acceptable standard of living is crucial for the well-being of individuals and communities, and water is truly the rite of passage. Thus, it should be guaranteed to ensure widespread economic empowerment as the standard of living gradually rises. Even more, water can grant social empowerment.
Access to sanitation and an adequate standard of living gives an individual dignity and the confidence to set higher goals and expectations in life, primarily education. For many that feel hopeless because of their situation, water can be a source of hope and motivation. It is the building block to ambition and accomplishment. Clean water will also prevent diseases which would prevent individuals from helping their family through jobs or through education.
www. plumbingafrica. co. za @ plumbingonline @ plumbingonline @ PlumbingAfricaOnline January 2026 Volume 31 I Number 11