Assessment of water and sanitation systems at Palestinian healthcare facilities: pre- and post-COVID-19

Abstract

The availability of safe drinking water and the proper management of wastewater in healthcare facilities are important pillars for maintaining safety of workers, patients, and visitors and protecting human health and environment. Water and sanitation services at 495 healthcare facilities in the West Bank of Palestine are assessed using the results of PCBS and MoH (2014) survey study. Services are reassessed after the COVID-10 pandemic using personal interviews with experts from healthcare facilities, regulatory authorities, and service providers. The results show that 92.1% of healthcare facilities were connected to public water networks, 12.9% of them purchased water tanks, and 10.8% of them depended on harvested rainwater which may cause contamination and waterborne diseases. Regardless the source of freshwater, the water quality has to be regularly examined and compared to local guidelines and international standards for health promotion. Almost 63.4% of healthcare facilities were not connected to wastewater networks and used either tight or porous cesspits. Once these cesspits are filled off, wastewater is randomly disposed into nearby valleys causing adverse environmental impacts on air, water, and land resources. Medical wastewater of hazardous substances should be treated before discharged to wastewater networks. Experts assured that although heightened procedures have been made by service providers to curb the spread of the COVID-19 disease, yet, more consistent protocols and stringent procedures are crucial. There have not been any new directives or procedures regarding the management of water supplies and wastewater services in the healthcare facilities. Stakeholder collaboration can help prevent the COVID-19 disease.

SARS-CoV-2 and other pathogens in municipal wastewater, landfill leachate, and solid waste: A review about virus surveillance, infectivity, and inactivation

“…On the contrary, the SARS-CoV-2 transmission through the fecal-oral way has been only postulated ( García-Ávila et al, 2020 ). Information concerning contamination from urine samples needs further and in-depth investigation because the reported results are inconsistent ( Anayah et al, 2021 ).…”

“…Moreover, SARS-CoV-2 RNA was already detected in sewage and wastewater in many countries ( Davó et al, 2021 ; Weidhaas et al, 2021 ). Some research (e.g., Paleologos et al, 2020 ; Anayah et al, 2021 ) showed that residence time and temperature are the most significant factors that can be correlated with the diffusion/spread of COVID-19 in water.…”

Possible Impacts of Covid-19 Pandemic on Domestic Wastewater Characteristics in Kuwait

“…For example, if higher nutrient concentrations were observed in the influent of a wastewater treatment plant; subsequently, this plant would be overloaded; and thus, appropriate (temporary) changes in the operating conditions would be needed. In addition, by obtaining such knowledge, a specific protocol could be developed to mitigate the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on wastewater treatment operations (Anayah et al, 2021). The concern has been that concentrations of chemicals could reach inhibitory levels and further alter the wastewater, significantly rendering them challenging to treat or would even cause malfunctions in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs).…”

The impact of coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) in water: potential risks

“…Faced with this problem, the water is one of the most effective ways to contain the fast-spreading novel coronavirus (COVID-19), however, increased potable water demand and the needs of billions of people living in developing countries that lack access to safe drinking water, facilitate the spread of the virus (Zvobgo and Do 2020 ). Additionally, the wastewater generated represents a considerable portion of the water consumed, its discharge can contain complex pharmaceuticals, antibiotics, narcotics, radioactive elements, hazardous compounds, and pathogens (Anayah et al 2021 ). Wastewater is an ecologically rich environment that contains a plethora of pathogens such as bacteria, fungi, protozoans, toxins, and viruses.…”

“…The epidemics and pandemics should be included among the natural disasters to which drinking water and wastewater systems are vulnerable. The services provided by drinking water and wastewater utilities are critical to protecting public health, daily life, and economic well-being (Spearing et al 2020 ; States 2020 ; Anayah et al 2021 ).…”