Water Contamination, Sanitation Practices, and Public Health Risks: A Cross-Sectional Study

Year : 2026 | Volume : 03 | Issue : 01 | Page : 21 32
    By

    Ritika Karna,

  • Susmita Ghale,

  • Prachi Kumari,

  • Neelesh Kumar Maurya,

  1. Student, Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, School of Allied Health Science, Sharda University, Greater Noida, India
  2. Student, Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, School of Allied Health Science, Sharda University, Greater Noida, India
  3. Student, Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, School of Allied Health Science, Sharda University, Greater Noida, India
  4. Assistant Professor, Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, School of Allied Health, Science, Sharda University, Greater Noida, India

Abstract

Contaminated water remains one of the biggest obstacles to public health, especially in developing countries, partly due to a lack of sanitation systems and lack of knowledge about the dangers. This paper describes the causes of water resource contamination and the ways in which they are transmitted, the lack of knowledge of the public, and what can be done to make it less of a problem, including a cross-sectional study of 31 people living in urban, semi-urban, and rural locations in India. The research shows that the main causes of waterborne diseases are living (bacteria, viruses, parasites) and non-living (heavy metals, industrial waste) and political water contaminants. 87.1% of the respondents are aware of untreated water as a transmitter of diseases, and 96.8% are aware of the health risks associated with irresponsible disposal of waste. Other serious gaps include a 50% waste separation practice and the aforementioned lack of water tank servicing. This study shows the need for systems that are combined with the strategy. The research shows wide acceptance of the need for WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) programs as a strategy for improving the health of the public. Combined with a strategy for improving the health of the public, this study shows the wide acceptance of the need for WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) programs as a strategy for improving the health of the public.

Keywords: Community road, contaminated water and water management, government policy implementation, water safe integrated management

[This article belongs to International Journal of Sustainability ]

How to cite this article:
Ritika Karna, Susmita Ghale, Prachi Kumari, Neelesh Kumar Maurya. Water Contamination, Sanitation Practices, and Public Health Risks: A Cross-Sectional Study. International Journal of Sustainability. 2026; 03(01):21-32.
How to cite this URL:
Ritika Karna, Susmita Ghale, Prachi Kumari, Neelesh Kumar Maurya. Water Contamination, Sanitation Practices, and Public Health Risks: A Cross-Sectional Study. International Journal of Sustainability. 2026; 03(01):21-32. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/ijsu/article=2026/view=243311


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Regular Issue Subscription Original Research
Volume 03
Issue 01
Received 07/03/2026
Accepted 10/03/2026
Published 09/05/2026
Publication Time 63 Days
80

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