Improving Water Safety in Ghana: National Learning Session on Household Water Treatment Standards and Certification
On the 29th of November 2024, the Ministry of Sanitation and Water Resources (MSWR) in collaboration with the Resource Centre Network hosted a national learning and sharing session on the Standards and Certification Scheme on Household Water Treatment Products in Ghana. The event brought together stakeholders from various ministries, NGOs, and the media to discuss the pressing issue of HWTPs in Ghana. The sessions’ objectives include raising awareness, enhancing compliance among manufacturers, and improving public health by ensuring that HWTPs meet minimum microbiological performance criteria. This initiative is crucial for safeguarding public health and contributing to safer drinking water for all.
The session was held to address the global challenge of access to safe drinking water by promoting standardized criteria for Household Water Treatment Products (HWTP). Ghana’s 2014 strategy emphasizes the importance of HWTP technologies like filters to reduce waterborne diseases. Collaborative efforts by the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA), MSWR, WHO, and UNICEF aim to certify and regulate HWTPs, supporting safe water access and achieving SDG 6 targets.
Unclean water storage is a critical factor contributing to household contamination, leading to various serious health issues. According to Mr. Kwaku Quansah, Deputy Director at the Ministry of Sanitation and Water Resources (MSWR), improper water storage practices pose substantial risks to public health. During an interview at the National Level Learning Alliance Platform (NLLAP) in Accra, he provided insights into the National Household Water Treatment and Safe Storage (HWTS) Strategy.
Mr. Quansah explained that poorly maintained water storage containers can become breeding grounds for harmful bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms. He emphasized that the absence of proper and consistent cleaning and disinfection profoundly undermines the quality of stored water. “Without routine maintenance, storage containers can accumulate dirt and contaminants that promote microbial growth, thus posing health risks to consumers,” he stated.
He also highlighted the challenges involved in the placement of water storage containers, noting that in some situations, it becomes extremely difficult—if not impossible—to clean and disinfect them effectively. “Neglecting these crucial tasks opens the door for the proliferation of harmful microorganisms, which are often imperceptible to the naked eye, and can lead to severe health consequences,” Mr. Quansah warned.
To combat these dangers, he strongly urged households to engage in effective water treatment methods. He recommended techniques such as boiling water to kill pathogens, using chlorination to disinfect, or employing filtration systems to remove contaminants.
Moreover, Mr. Quansah advocated for regular testing of stored water to assess critical parameters, including pH levels, turbidity, and the presence of bacterial contamination.
“By adopting these preventive measures, households can significantly mitigate the risks of contamination associated with unclean water storage practices. The Household Water Treatment and Safe Storage (HWTS) initiative holds substantial promise in combating waterborne diseases, particularly diarrhea, and could enhance overall public health in Ghana,”
He concluded, highlighting the tremendous potential for improvement, especially for vulnerable populations like children.
The session reaffirmed the importance of collaborative efforts to address water safety challenges in Ghana. While significant progress has been made in policy development and stakeholder engagement, gaps in infrastructure, behavior change, and enforcement persist. By building on the insights and commitments shared during the session, stakeholders can work toward sustainable improvements in water quality and public health. The collective responsibility of government bodies, private sector actors, and community organizations will be crucial in achieving universal access to safely managed drinking water services