Possible reasons why water in Ethiopia may not be safe include: - A rebel army guards the water sources. - The cost of water is prohibitively high, leading to conflicts. - The water is heavily polluted and therefore unsafe for drinking. - Dangerous animals are found near water sources.

Social Studies · Middle School · Thu Feb 04 2021

Answered on

The safety of water in Ethiopia can be compromised due to several factors:

1. Rebel Army Guards the Water Sources: In areas of conflict, armed groups may take control of water sources to exert power or as a strategic resource. This control can restrict access to water for local populations and can lead to tensions or conflicts. If a rebel army is guarding water sources, it could not only make access difficult but could also make the process of collecting water dangerous for civilians.

2. High Cost of Water: If the cost of water is exorbitantly high, it may be unaffordable for many people, especially in a country where many may live below the poverty line. This economic barrier can mean that people have limited access to safe drinking water and might have to resort to using unsafe sources, increasing the risk of waterborne diseases.

3. Pollution: Water pollution is a significant issue in many parts of the world, including Ethiopia. Water can become contaminated with a variety of pollutants, ranging from industrial waste, agricultural runoff, untreated sewage, and other contaminants. Drinking polluted water can lead to serious health problems, including diarrheal diseases, cholera, dysentery, typhoid, and other illnesses.

4. Dangerous Animals: In rural and wilderness areas of Ethiopia, natural water sources may be inhabited or frequented by dangerous animals such as crocodiles or hippos. Encounters with such wildlife can pose a direct threat to human safety when people go to collect water.

Extra: Understanding the reasons why water may not be safe in Ethiopia or any other place is important for implementing solutions and improving access to safe water. Safe drinking water is essential for health and well-being, and barriers to accessing it can lead to numerous health problems.

Conflicts and warfare have a profound impact on infrastructure and public health, as maintaining or constructing water systems can be extremely difficult in these conditions. Water, being a basic necessity, becomes a strategic resource in conflicts, and its control can be a matter of life and death.

Economics also plays a crucial role in water safety. In many developing countries, access to clean water might be limited by the financial resources available to communities or individuals. Suitable infrastructure, such as pipes, treatment facilities, and transportation, requires investment, which might not be available in poorer regions.

Pollution is a global problem that affects water sources everywhere. The use of chemicals in agriculture, industrial waste, and inadequate sewage treatment can all lead to water becoming unsafe for human consumption. Water treatment and management are important to ensure that water remains clean and safe.

Lastly, the presence of dangerous animals is an environmental challenge, particularly in areas where human habitation is close to natural habitats. The fear of attacks and actual danger from wildlife can make the collection of water risky, and this is often a job that falls to women and children in many societies, further exacerbating their vulnerability.

Education on water safety, conservation, and hygiene, along with investment in infrastructure and the protection of water sources, is key to addressing these challenges. International aid and development projects often focus on water safety and accessibility to improve living conditions and health outcomes in places like Ethiopia and other parts of the developing world.