Urban groundwater quality in sub-Saharan Africa: current status and implications for water security and public health.

ABSTRACT: Groundwater resources are important sources of drinking water in Africa, and they are hugely important in sustaining urban livelihoods and supporting a diverse range of commercial and agricultural activities. Groundwater has an important role in improving health in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). An estimated 250 million people (40% of the total) live in urban centres across SSA. SSA has experienced a rapid expansion in urban populations since the 1950s, with increased population densities as well as expanding geographical coverage. Estimates suggest that the urban population in SSA will double between 2000 and 2030. The quality status of shallow urban groundwater resources is often very poor due to inadequate waste management and source protection, and poses a significant health risk to users,

SUBMITTER: Lapworth DJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6991975 | biostudies-literature | 2017

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature