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Case-control study of drinking water quality in Yemen
Ahmed Al-Hmani1,2, Nejib Ben Jamaa2, Adel Kharroubi3
1Department of Drilling and Workover, Masila Petroleum Exploration and Production Company, Sana'a, Yemen.
Summary
Water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) interventions in Yemen ceased, leading to degraded microbial water quality. Post-intervention monitoring revealed significant declines in purification systems and increased microbial pollution, highlighting the need for sustainable WASH programs.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Public Health
- Microbiology
Background:
- Yemen's water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) sector collapsed post-2015 war, causing severe water shortages and degraded microbial water quality.
- Cholera outbreaks in 2016/2017 necessitated emergency WASH interventions to improve water quality and reduce water-borne diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the microbial water quality in Sana'a, Yemen, after the cessation of WASH activities.
- To evaluate the impact of suspended WASH interventions on water purification and safety standards.
Main Methods:
- Water samples were collected in 2022 from 64 mini water purification plants in Sana'a.
- Data from 2022 were compared with analyses from 2018-2020.
- Face-to-face interviews and observatory evaluations were conducted alongside water sample analyses.
Main Results:
- By 2022, purification system ratings decreased from 87.4% to 84.1% after WASH interventions ceased.
- Water safety requirements ratings significantly dropped from 78.1% to 62.1%.
- Microbial pollution nearly doubled from 15.1% to 31.3%, inversely correlating with purification and safety ratings.
Conclusions:
- Cessation of WASH programs led to degraded microbial water quality in Yemen.
- Sustainable WASH program design and rigorous monitoring are crucial for long-term success.
- Community engagement and operator awareness are vital for preventing water contamination.
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