Answer:
"Poor access to clean water" refers to a situation where individuals or communities lack reliable and safe sources of drinking water for their daily needs. This could be due to various factors such as inadequate infrastructure, contamination of water sources, or lack of financial resources to access clean water.
In areas with poor access to clean water, people may have to rely on unsafe sources such as rivers, lakes, or untreated wells, which can be contaminated with bacteria, viruses, chemicals, or other pollutants. Consuming contaminated water can lead to various waterborne diseases such as cholera, diarrhea, dysentery, and typhoid fever, causing illness and even death, particularly among vulnerable populations such as children and the elderly.
Moreover, poor access to clean water not only affects drinking water but also impacts sanitation and hygiene practices. Without clean water for washing hands, cooking, and maintaining personal hygiene, the risk of disease transmission increases, further jeopardizing public health.
Addressing poor access to clean water requires investment in infrastructure, such as building wells, water treatment facilities, and distribution networks, as well as implementing policies and programs to ensure water quality monitoring and sanitation practices. It is essential for promoting public health, reducing poverty, and improving overall quality of life.