WATER QUALITY AND SECURITY

Abstract

Water security has been defined as "the reliable availability of an acceptable quantity and quality of water for health, livelihoods and production, coupled with an acceptable level of water-related risks" It is realized to the degree that water scarcity is non-existent, or has been decreased or eliminated, and to the degree that floods and contamination of freshwater supplies are non-threatening. Water security is considered to be a necessity of sustainable development for its importance in the quality of life of the people in a region. Sustainable development would result in lowered poverty and increased living standards for those most susceptible to the impacts of insecure water resources in the region, especially women and children. By clearly defining the responsibilities and control over water management for high usage sectors in terms of finance, planning, agriculture, energy, industry, and health, development may progress to the point of sustainable living for all. Keywords: Water quality, security, scarcity, water conservation, contamination, floods