Posted: August 14th, 2022

Addressing Health Impacts of Climate Change on Drinking Water in Veteran

Policy Memo: Addressing Health Impacts of Climate Change on Drinking Water in Veteran Populations

To: VHA Office of Academic Affiliations (OAA)

Problem Statement

Climate change has resulted in detrimental effects on drinking water quality, leading to adverse health outcomes within veteran populations. Urgent policy interventions are required to ensure the provision of safe and clean water. Climate change has led to water contamination, scarcity, and unpredictable availability, significantly impacting the health of veterans.

Heavy rainfall intensities caused by climate change contribute to runoff that carries sediments, pollutants, nutrients, and other materials into water sources, rendering the water unsafe for consumption (Wang and Yang, 2016). The resulting pollution and contamination of water sources pose serious health risks to veterans. Climate-induced temperature rises, increased rainfall, and extreme weather events contribute to a range of health issues, including gastrointestinal problems, kidney and liver damage, and impacts on the nervous and respiratory systems (Wang and Yang, 2016).

Waterborne pathogens and toxins produced by harmful microorganisms further exacerbate health risks among senior citizens, as pathogens and chemicals find their way into water sources through human activities (Wang and Yang, 2016). The resultant ailments can lead to severe consequences, including high treatment costs and even fatalities.

Alterations in water temperatures due to climate change encourage the growth of waterborne pathogens such as harmful algal toxins and vibrio bacteria, which can cause respiratory and gastrointestinal illnesses (Wang and Yang, 2016). Moreover, extreme weather events and flooding damage water infrastructure, leading to contamination of drinking water sources (Halder and Islam, 2015). For instance, metals and other harmful compounds can leach into the water, adversely affecting veterans’ health.

Background

Numerous studies highlight the adverse effects of consuming contaminated water on veterans. Waterborne diseases like dysentery, cholera, diarrhea, polio, and typhoid pose significant risks to health. Contaminated water is estimated to contribute to around 485,000 diarrheal deaths annually. Access to clean and safe drinking water is fundamental for public health, encompassing domestic use, drinking, recreation, and food production (Caddick, Smith, and Phoenix, 2015). The United Nations recognizes water and sanitation as basic human rights, demanding sufficient, safe, affordable, and accessible water for all.

Unsafe drinking water and poor sanitation directly contribute to disease transmission (Moore et al., 2011). Mismanagement of wastewater from various sources exposes millions of people to chemically polluted and contaminated water. Unsafe drinking water results in over 829,000 deaths from diarrhea, indicating a pressing need for clean and safe water sources (Aschengrau and Seage, 2013). Climate change plays a significant role in water pollution, leading to preventable diarrhea cases among both veterans and children.

Options

Water Safety Criteria

Two primary criteria must be implemented to ensure clean and safe drinking water access for veteran populations amid climate change effects: protecting water resources and purifying existing water sources (Setty et al., 2018). Protecting water resources involves guarding against contamination of surface water (rivers, reservoirs, lakes) and groundwater sources. Preventing pollutants and pathogens from compromising water quality is crucial. Purifying contaminated water removes contaminants like parasites, toxic metals, bacteria, and chemicals, making water safe for consumption (Setty et al., 2018).

Water Safety Actions

Effective strategies encompass protecting water sources and purifying water. Buffer zones should be established to prevent polluted runoff from reaching water bodies, ensuring a clean supply of water. Water treatment processes, including pre-discharge treatment and stormwater management, must be adopted. Additionally, water purification methods such as boiling, chlorination, and filtration should be promoted to guarantee clean and safe water access (Omar et al., 2017).

Long-term restoration of ecosystems is another viable approach, as it prevents water pollution by preserving natural rehabilitation processes. Collaborative efforts among nations can restore damaged environments by replanting wetlands, forestlands, and other habitats, thereby mitigating climate change impacts (Vieira, 2011).

Recommendations

Addressing the health impacts of climate change on drinking water for veteran populations necessitates treating and purifying water sources. Given the widespread effects of climate change, focusing on treatment and purification is essential to ensure access to clean and safe water. These actions will help prevent health issues, especially among veterans.

References

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