Ensuring children's health: The significance of clean drinking water and regular water quality testing

Why do we need clean water for kids?

Water is essential for supporting the healthy growth and development of children. Adequate hydration is crucial for maintaining healthy joints, bones, teeth, and blood circulation. Water makes up 75% of infants' bodies, hence it is indispensable for nurturing a developing body. Moreover, water supports vital brain functions such as memory, critical thinking, attention span, mental flexibility, multitasking, and working memory. Research indicates that well-hydrated children tend to perform better in these essential cognitive areas.

No child should have to drink dirty water, states UNICEF. Toxic pollutants found in drinking water pose a significant threat to children, compared to adults. This heightened risk stems from children consuming more water relative to their body weight, thereby increasing their exposure to contaminants. Moreover, their developing bodies are particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects of these toxic chemicals, which can impair the growth and function of organs and tissues.

Does the UAE have clean drinking water?

Yes, the UAE has clean drinking water. The country employs extensive desalination processes, with about 42% of its water needs met by over 70 major desalination plants. Sea water undergoes desalination using methods like reverse osmosis powered by electricity or as a by-product of electricity generation through processes such as multiple-effect distillation (MED) and multiple-stage flash distillation (MSF). These methods guarantee the quality and safety of the drinking water produced.

However, the journey of clean water from desalination plants to our homes is not without challenges. Contaminants can enter the water through storage tanks or pipelines, potentially compromising its safety. Contaminated water tanks accumulate dirt, mold, silt deposits, and algae, creating an ideal environment for bacteria to thrive. This makes the water unsuitable for drinking or personal hygiene. Over time, water tanks also accumulate rust, which can discolor the water and pose health risks. Additionally, uncovered tanks may allow insects and rodents carrying harmful microorganisms to contaminate the stored water, further jeopardizing its safety.

What happens when children drink dirty water?

UNICEF reports that children frequently miss school due to illness caused by diarrhea associated with inadequate water, sanitation, and hygiene conditions. Microbes or pathogens contaminating drinking water cause waterborne diseases in children which include typhoid, cholera, giardiasis, dysentery, and hepatitis A.

Chemicals present in contaminated water pose distinct risks to children, impacting their development in various ways.

• Lead found in drinking water can lower IQ and cause damage to the brain and nervous system.
• Nitrates increase the risk of cancer and birth defects, with exposure during pregnancy and early childhood linked to cognitive development issues and increased mortality among young adults.
• Cadmium exposure at low levels reduces bone density and disrupts bone composition, particularly affecting rapidly growing bones in children.
• Fluoride, while beneficial in controlled doses, can damage children's teeth and lead to dental fluorosis, characterized by white spots on the teeth.
• Arsenic exposure in the womb and during early childhood has been associated with detrimental effects on cognitive development and higher death rates among young adults.

Ensuring safe and clean water for our children

Iman Al Bastaki, the Director of Dubai Municipality’s Food Safety Department has shared the following insights into the measures required to ensure the safety of tap water at your home for healthy consumption:

• Appropriate maintenance of your plumbing system and water tanks to prevent contamination.
• Regular water tank cleaning and flushing of pipes by an Emirates International Accreditation Centre-approved firm.
• Periodic water quality testing for drinking water specifications at an Emirates International Accreditation Centre-approved laboratory.
• Positive lab results confirm the safety of water for drinking purposes.

Water quality testing plays a crucial role in safeguarding children's health by identifying potential risks associated with water consumption. It helps detect contaminants, pathogens, and chemicals in water that could lead to various health issues.

The Healthy Home® offers four types of water quality testing services:

• Microbiological testing for microorganisms
• Legionella testing for Legionella bacteria
• Chemical parameters testing to assess water composition
• Complete testing for a comprehensive evaluation

Regular water quality testing is essential to ensure a consistently safe and reliable water supply for your family. It's advised to conduct water quality testing every six months, early identification of potential issues, enabling prompt actions such as cleaning water tanks or disinfecting pipelines. This proactive approach safeguards the health of your children and entire family. Prioritizing regular water quality testing ensures that your household benefits from clean and safe drinking water at all times.