Because of ongoing problems with waste disposal, some of the territory’s drinking water is at risk of sewage contamination, according to a 2011 Environmental Health Division report released during last month’s House of Assembly sitting.
“Indiscriminate disposal of sewage and liquid waste continues to be the prominent public health concern in our society,” the report states.
Several factors contribute to the problem, according to the report: unmonitored and uncontrolled development; poorly designed septic systems; and poor soil types, which affect percolation rates of wastewater.
“The magnitude of problems that currently exist, according to investigations carried out, indicates that drinking water supplies (both municipal and private) are at serious risk of contamination by sewage,” the report states.
Of 109 complaints made between January and December 2011, 42 were related to liquid waste and “excreta disposal.”
Measures to correct irresponsible waste disposal have been taken, according to the report. Throughout the year, for example, the Environmental Health Division, which falls under the Ministry of Health and Social Development, brought several cases that were heard in Magistrates’ Court.
See the Aug. 23, 2012 edition for full coverage.
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