Until recently, the emphasis on water resources development in the Americas was on utilization of the available water. With increasing competition for water use, more consideration is being given to associated environmental and economic factors.
| Title | Environmental health and the management of fresh water resources in the Americas |
| Publication Type | Miscellaneous |
| Year of Publication | 1992 |
| Authors | de Koning, HW |
| Secondary Title | Environmental series |
| Volume | no. 10 |
| Pagination | 72 p.: 12 fig., 15 tab. |
| Date Published | 1992-01-01 |
| Publisher | Pan American Health Organization, Environmental Health Program |
| Place Published | Washington, DC, USA |
| Keywords | cab92/3, health aspects, heavy metals, industrial wastes, latin america, nitrates, pesticides, wastewater treatment, water pollution, water resources development, water resources management, water-related diseases |
| Abstract | Until recently, the emphasis on water resources development in the Americas was on utilization of the available water. With increasing competition for water use, more consideration is being given to associated environmental and economic factors. A brief hydrological overview is given, followed by the present state of water resources as associated with health. The environmental effects from development activities such as dam building and irrigation can have unforseen effects on health, by impounding stagnant water, or increasing urbanization close to the sites. Ecological factors, such as insect vectors and population density are discussed. Contamination by human waste, industrial pollutants, mining activities, and pesticide use are posing an increasing risk to human health. Both surface and groundwater can be affected. Wastewater treatment schemes are outlined, as well as wastewater reuse ideas. National and/or regional water resource development plans are suggested. |
| Notes | 66 ref. |
| Custom 1 | 203.0, 827 |
