Information management system on geogenic contaminants
An estimated 200 million people worldwide, roughly 5% of those who use groundwater for drinking, are exposed to elevated concentrations of arsenic or fluoride (geogenic contaminants), whose health effects are severe. This initiative, proposed by Eawag, aims to reduce disease caused by geogenic contamination through awareness creation among government institutions and donors. An interactive knowledge hub will provide global maps for arsenic and fluoride, and expertise for data analysis and recommendations for action. There will be active capacity building in selected affected hub countries in Asia and Africa.
| Pays/région |
Thème |
Période |
Budget |
Monde entier
|
Eau
Eau potable et Services d'assainissement de base (WASH - Water for people)
Politique des ressources en eau et plaidoyer
|
01.04.2014 - 31.12.2017
|
CHF 1'428'700
|
| Contexte |
Groundwater is extensively used for the provision of drinking water in both rural and urban areas and is generally seen as a safe alternative to drinking untreated, microbial contaminated surface water. Nevertheless, also groundwater can be problematic, especially with respect to its chemical quality. Roughly a third of the world’s population depends on groundwater for drinking and approximately 10% of wells are contaminated with the natural geogenic contaminants arsenic and fluoride, causing severe health effects particularly in those with poor nutrition. Ingestion of excess arsenic over prolonged periods of time can result in various internal cancers amongst other conditions, while high levels of fluoride are responsible for the development of dental and crippling skeletal fluorosis. There is increasing awareness of the need to tackle chemical water quality. Indeed, the WHO’s Water Quality and Health Strategy 2013-2020 clearly states the need to tackle arsenic and fluoride drinking water-quality issues. Since 2006, it has developed an approach to map risks of geogenic fluoride and arsenic contamination. Now it needs to be improved and spread.
|
| Objectifs |
The Groundwater Quality Assessment Platform (GAP) is an online open-source data and information portal for groundwater-related questions, with a special focus on the geogenic contaminants arsenic and fluoride. It aims at creating awareness and promoting action among the public, medias, technical and scientific centres, local and national authorities, to mitigate health issues related to geogenic contamination in drinking water by providing an interactive knowledge hub and source of expertise for detailed analysis and recommendations for action. It is designed for decision makers, managers, in order to facilitate choices and strategic/operational decisions for providing safe and drinking water.
|
| Groupes cibles |
- Knowledge hub developed and “userfriendly” webtool available for use
- Geospatial resources available and used
- Implementation with partner countries, partner countries are active users and modellers
- Sustainable implementation of GAP, developing business plan and agreements with partners
|
| Effets à moyen terme |
- Knowledge hub developed and “userfriendly” webtool available for use
- Geospatial resources available and used
- Implementation with partner countries, partner countries are active users and modellers
- Sustainable implementation of GAP, developing business plan and agreements with partners
|
| Direction/office fédéral responsable |
DDC
|
| Crédit |
Coopération au développement
|
| Partenaire de projet |
Partenaire contractuel
Institution universitaire et de recherche suisse
- SANDEC EAWAG
- EAWAG Zurich
Partenaire de mise en œuvre
Partenaires multiples locaux
|
| Budget |
Phase en coursBudget de la SuisseCHF 1'428'700 Budget suisse déjà attribué CHF 1'129'960 |
| Phases du projet |
Phase 1 01.04.2014 - 31.12.2017 (Phase en cours) |
