​In view of waterlogging in several parts of North India, here's how to keep your drinking water safe​

Several parts of north India are waterlogged right now. As per recent reports from news agency ANI, a further increase in the water level of Yamuna was recorded at 1 pm on Monday. Currently, the water level in Yamuna is 205.84 m. In view of this situation, it is extremely important that whatever is ingested right now is healthy and germ-free. Flood situations like this are a breeding place for pathogens. Here we discuss different ways to keep drinking water safe and healthy.

It is not possible to fetch water on a daily basis when areas nearby are waterlogged. In many places, there is a limited supply of water during such a situation. Find big containers where you can easily store water. Choose only those containers which have a lid and can be closed properly.

Avoid tap water during waterlogging situations because during these times sewage pipes overflow or even burst and there is absolutely no way to stop mixing drinking water from waste water.

Access to water purifiers may not be available in waterlogged areas due to limited power supply. In such cases, you can purify water by boiling it. Boil water in a large container and let it cool. Then store it in a container.

If you are storing water in an earthen pot or matka, then use a long ladle to take out water. Do not dip the glass directly inside the pot. Clean the ladle frequently.

To avoid contamination, keep drinking water away at a higher place. Make sure the place is clean where you keep the water container. Clean the container once in every 2-3 days. If possible, cover the container.

"It is estimated that waterborne diseases have an economic burden of approximately USD 600 million a year in India. This is especially true for drought- and flood-prone areas, which affected a third of India’s population in the past couple of years," UNICEF says in a report.

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