Water Quality and One Health: The Connection We Can’t Ignore

Jan 20

What is One Health?

The concept of One Health acknowledges that the health of people, animals and our environment are indistinguishably linked, meaning that the well-being of every one of them is dependent on the well-being of all the others.

It’s in this interconnection where we find the vital role of water and, furthermore, water testing and analysis.

We all know that water is fundamentally essential for all living things, whether they’re humans, animals, avians, plants, or trees; everyone needs water to survive. Thus, when water quality is compromised, entire ecosystems and species can have their health and existence impacted, which systematically impacts everyone - including you.

Additionally, our intimate connection with water includes the water which leaves our homes and businesses. This water contains clues about the health of the people in our communities; clues which can only be revealed through proper water sampling and analysis.

How Water Contamination Impacts Human, Animal and Environmental Health

Water & Human Health

Whether caused by extreme weather events, insufficient water treatment processes, leaks and spills or aging infrastructure, water contamination puts humans at risk of transmission of diseases. These can include cholera, E. coli, Norovirus and Legionnaires' disease.

Algae blooms can also be dangerous to humans as a significant accumulation of alga can produce toxins, contaminating water bodies used for drinking and leisure. Causes of algae blooms include agricultural runoff, industrial runoff, climate change (especially warmer than usual water temperatures), heavy rainfall (causing nutrient runoff into water) and water slowing/stagnation.

Water & Animal Health

Just like humans, animals are also susceptible to attaining illnesses from water contamination. Whether in wild animals, livestock or pets, waterborne illnesses can impact:

Animal output (ex. Meat, milk, eggs, wool)
Animal labour (ex. Plowing, herding)
Biodiversity (Decline or extinction of species, genetics and ecosystem functions)

Plus, given the connection between animals, the environment and humans, these contamination-born illnesses can be passed from animal species to human species via direct contact (ex. General touch, bites, scratches, saliva), indirect contact (ex. Animal droppings or urine), and of course the water.

Water & Environmental Health

When water bodies are contaminated, it harms the aquatic species calling these resources home. Contamination also reduces the immediate usability of water, degrading our natural resources and environmental levels of oxygen.

The One Health Approach to Water Quality

By keeping the interconnectedness of One Health in mind, our team strives to emphasize the need for collaborative efforts and partnerships to understand and protect water quality.

By working with C.E.C. Analytics, governments, health authorities, and researchers can use our sampling technology and the resulting data to determine effective solutions for water contamination and health impacts.

By using our autosamplers, water anywhere can be monitored for health indicators related to humans, animals, and the environment, providing warnings of potential or growing contamination or disease outbreaks. This information can be used to execute timely interventions and mitigate harmful impacts.

Data and studies arising from water monitoring can also be used to provide public education on water quality, responsible use and best practices for our environment. Such awareness would result in better water conservation and usage plus improved efforts in preventing pollution.

Partner with C.E.C. Analytics, A Trusted Leader in Water Sampling and Analysis.

At C.E.C. Analytics, we understand the importance of water quality in support of One Health and are committed to helping communities make informed decisions about their water resources to protect the health of people, animals, and the environment. We help communities access the crucial data from the water to create a meaningful impact.

With our extensive experience and cutting-edge technology, we can help you navigate the complex world of water quality monitoring, sampling, and analysis.

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