Water pollution in Colombia

Water pollution in Colombia

Sandra Milena Viana ValdésUniversidad Nacional Abierta y a Distancia – UNAD Administración en Salud Medellín, 2023

Task 3 - Definition of intrasectoral and transectoral strategies

391 towns in Colombia are already at risk of water scarcity, making it a serious issue. Rainfall anomalies are growing due to climate change, and by the end of the century, average temperatures are predicted to rise by 2.14 degrees. In addition to harming ecosystems and lowering the quality of the nation's water resources, water pollution also causes droughts, floods, an uptick in the frequency and severity of the El Niño and La Niña occurrences, and the rapid and ongoing melting of glaciers.

Problematic

Determenig Factors

Water problems in Colombia are influenced by several factors, including geography, climate change, and human activities.The country is prone to natural calamities including floods and landslides, which can affect the supply and quality of water due to its location in the Andes Mountains and close proximity to the Equator. Changes in rainfall patterns and rising temperatures are hurting water resources, which is further aggravating the problem.

Determenig Factors

Deforestation, mining, and agriculture are only a few examples of human activities that have had a big impact on Colombia's water supply. These activities have affected the availability and quality of water for human consumption and agricultural uses by causing soil erosion, contaminating water sources, and depleting groundwater resources. it also has been caused by bad infrastructure and insufficient management of water resources, which disproportionately affects vulnerable groups and promotes social and economic inequality.

Social Impacts: 1. Water pollution affects access to safe drinking water for the population, especially in rural areas. This leads to a higher risk of waterborne diseases and other health problems. 2. Water pollution also impacts fishery and aquaculture industries, which can affect the livelihoods of local communities who depend on these resources. 3. Contaminated water can lead to reduced recreational opportunities and tourism, impacting the social and economic development of affected areas.

Economic Impacts: 1. Water pollution can impact agricultural productivity by reducing the amount and quality of available water for irrigation. 2. The contamination of water sources can lead to increased costs for water treatment, affecting the profitability of industries that depend on clean water, such as the food and beverage industry. 3. The negative impacts on fisheries and aquaculture can lead to a reduction in jobs and incomes for those dependent on these industries.

Environmental Impacts: 1. Water pollution can lead to the degradation of aquatic ecosystems, affecting biodiversity, ecosystem services, and the overall health of aquatic environments. 2. The introduction of pollutants into water sources can also impact the surrounding land, leading to soil contamination and reduced agricultural productivity. 3. Polluted water can contribute to the release of greenhouse gases, exacerbating climate change.

Health Impacts: 1. Exposure to contaminated water can lead to waterborne diseases, such as cholera, typhoid fever, and dysentery. 2. Polluted water can also lead to the accumulation of toxins in fish and seafood, which can harm human health. 3. Poor water quality can impact the respiratory and cardiovascular health of those who rely on polluted water sources for drinking or bathing.

Current status of the situation

while the Colombian government has implemented initiatives such as the National Plan for the Control and Prevention of Water Pollution and the establishment of the National Water Authority, water pollution in Colombia remains a significant issue. Communities and organizations have also taken action, but challenges remain, such as weak enforcement of regulations, outdated treatment facilities, and limited access to safe drinking water in rural areas. Continued efforts are needed to ensure clean and safe water for all in Colombia.

Sandra Milena Viana Valdés

https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/feature/2020/09/02/colombia-water-security

https://www.environmentandsociety.org/exhibitions/water-bogota/waste-and-water-pollution

References

Conclusion

Water pollution in Colombia is a significant concern with wide-ranging impacts on social, economic, environmental, and health levels. While the government and impacted communities have taken action, challenges remain, such as weak enforcement of regulations and outdated treatment facilities. Continued efforts are needed to ensure clean and safe water for all in Colombia.