Page 181 - Health, Population and Environment Education 9

7.5 Drainage and Excreta Disposal

Drainage
Drainage is a system of carrying away waste water
or other liquid waste through a pipe or channel.
The water which is produced after use in several
activities like washing, cleaning, bathing, flushing
the toilet, watering the garden, etc. is called waste
water.

Waste water is produced from different sources like Fig: 39
settlement areas, industries, hotels, restaurants,
laundries, laboratories, hospitals, etc. This waste water can cause several problems in the
surrounding as well as for the human beings. Hence, it should be properly drained in
drainage and drainage should be managed properly.

Effects of waste water
Waste water is very harmful for human health and the environment. It causes several
health problems to people. Some of the effects of waste water are given below:
a. When waste water is discharged in water resources, water ecosystem is adversely
affected.
b. Waste water contains harmful germs. Hence, various types of diseases spread.
c. It increases bad smelling and make the surrounding unsuitable to live.

d. Random discharge of waste water leads towards land pollution.
e. It decreases soil fertility.
f. Waste water used for irrigation affects the crops.

Management of Waste Water and Drainage
The waste water should be managed for keeping the environment clean. There are some
ways for the proper management of drainage and waste water. They are as follows:

a. The drainage and drinking water pipes are kept together in many places. They must
be separated.
b. Waste water discharged from industries, factories and distilleries should be treated
before discharging it into water resources.
c. In urban areas, concrete drains and pits should be made to manage waste water.

d. Proper care and maintenance of drainage should be done regularly.
e. Proper drainage should be made in agricultural land to manage proper outflow of
water.

f. Government should provide technical support to the hospitals and industries to
process waste water.
GREEN Environment Population and Health Education Book-9 181