The problem of water pollution and human disorders is almost directly related to the general availability of water resources. At the time of implementation, about 20% of the population needs safe drinking water, and a significant portion of the population needs adequate sanitation. This problem is acute in numerous emerging economies, which discharge approximately 95% of their untreated urban wastewater directly into surface waters.
For example, of India’s 3,119 cities and urban areas, only 8 have complete wastewater treatment facilities (WHO 1992). Downstream, the untreated water is used for drinking, showering and washing, causing real human contamination and disease. Water-borne pollutants account for 90% of all the intractable human diseases in the making of nations. The lack of sterile conditions significantly increases the estimated 12 million births each year among newborns and adolescents.
Approximately 40% of fresh water in the United States is considered unsuitable for drinking or recreational use due to contamination with dangerous microorganisms, pesticides, and manure. Waterborne diseases in the United States cause about 940,000 infections and approximately 900 cases annually.
In recent decades, the domesticated animal production system in the United States has moved closer to urban areas, which has led to the contamination of water and food with excrement. The amount of animal compost and various wastes delivered to the United States annually is estimated at 1.5 billion.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, more than 76 million Americans become infected and 5,000 pass away each year due to pathogenic E. coli and foodborne pathogens associated with such contamination.