Water is not just an  important resource for sustaining life, but also a basic need for human survival. The increasing decline in water quality threatens the health of man, and of course, the ecosystem. The importance of drinking water, hygiene, and sanitation in maintaining health can not be overemphasized.

Contaminated water causes many water-borne infections such as diarrhoea, cholera etc., and also serves as a carrier for vectors such as mosquitoes spreading epidemics. Open defecation means no sanitation. It fouls the environment, and spreads diseases. Taking India for instance, according to WHO-UNICEF report (2010), India is a country with the highest rate of open defecation. 

In India, rapid urbanisation and the increasing population has placed a major strain on the existing infrastructure. It has affected the capacity of the government to provide clean drinking water, and effective sanitation measures. Though the government has tried to overcome this problem through urban development programmes like Clean India Campaign, the total costs required for successful operations continue to mar their efforts. Hence, the contributions of corporations, and other organisations is a welcome change.   

Access to safe drinking water and good sanitation are vital for family well-being and the society. It results in control of enteric diseases, and boosts child health. A healthy child has better learning and retaining ability. It is reported that girls avoid going to school where there are no proper sanitation measures.

Sanitation makes a positive contribution in family literacy. According to a UNICEF study, for every 10 per cent increase in female literacy, a country’s economy can grow by 0.3 per cent. Thus, sanitation contributes to social and economic development of the society. Improved sanitation also helps the environment. 

However, as good as cleaning drinking water and good sanitation are, it will not go along away in preventing infections without practicing good hygiene. A  simple habit of washing hands goes a long way towards preventing diseases. Also, keeping our environment clean, clearing bushes around and putting on clean clothes can make diseases far away from our homes.

Conclusivey,  personal hygiene greatly complements the effects of environmental sanitation. Therefore, as efforts are being put in place to improve environmental sanitation, individuals should also ensure their commitment to personal hygiene beefs up.