Water and wastewater safety plan in sub-Saharan Africa

Water scarcity and rapid urbanization have necessitated wastewater as an alternative water source, particularly for irrigation and other less hygienic applications. Water usage and wastewater recycling require thorough risk evaluation and management consideration that incorporates all processes in water supply from source to use to ensure that water is safe for consumption, as stated by the World Health Organization (WHO). In 2019, the WHO reported the death of ~830,000 from diarrhea, a fallout from contaminated water. Due to the potential dangers associated with consuming dirty water, water supply projects of any scale are to put in place water safety plans to forestall possible hazards to public health and biodiversity. Different studies have discussed wastewater production and treatment techniques. Until now, no studies have focused on the safety of wastewater resources. The study’s main objective is to review the risks associated with water and wastewater interactions in sub-Saharan Africa and to develop a sustainable safety plan for water and wastewater resources utilization in the region, environmental and economic benefits of a safe water resources plan, wastewater treatment capacity, comparative cost analysis and water treatment technologies in the sub-Saharan African region, personnel protective equipment, and hygiene policies. This high point also presents the limitations and challenges of a water safety plan, awareness of water reuse safety on the environment, and public health. Statutory regulations and policies on water reuse, water, a key component of sustainable development, and advantages of basic water supply and sanitation were all highlighted.