Diseases Caused By Open Drains

An open drain is an open-air channel, typically used in urban areas and is used to facilitate the release of rainfall. The water that flows through the channels is usually directed towards rivers or other sources of water. Drains can be useful in preventing flooding, however, when they do not have covers like is for free drains, solid and household wastes can accumulate and could cause blocked drains northern beaches. This is why they pose a risk for the residents who live in the areas around them.

An open drain is an open-air channel, typically used in urban areas and is used to facilitate the release of rainfall. The water that flows through the channels is usually directed towards rivers or other sources of water. Drains can be useful in preventing flooding, however, when they do not have covers like is for free drains, solid and household wastes can accumulate and could cause blocked drains northern beaches. This is why they pose a risk for the residents who live in the areas around them.

The diseases are caused by drains that are not closed and get blocked over the course of time. Open drains provide breeding sites for disease vectors. Due to this, certain illnesses are more prevalent during the wet than the dry season. The household waste can also contain pathogens that could cause contamination of groundwater sources, thereby making it more likely for illnesses like lymphatic filariasis. Harmful microorganisms enter our system to disrupt our health.

In areas with sanitation that is inadequate, water flows through the open drain , carrying filth and can contaminate the water sources. This is a major contributor in the spreading of disease like cholera and typhoid and can increase the risk of contracting worm-related infections due to soil that has been contaminated by Faeces.

Drains that are open emit the smell of rotten eggs, which can be harmful to our health. If insects such as house flies are sitting on sewage, which is drained through the drain that is open to the public ,the insects carry pathogens. When they eat and sit on food that we eat, the pathogens infiltrate our bodies and cause illnesses such as dysentery, diarrhoea, various stomach infections, and more.

Effective Solutions for Open Drains

1. Drains that are combined and sewage systems

For urban environments, the free drains could be part of the sewerage system and swathed with it. This approach can be utilised for rural locations where roads are asphalted and within areas vulnerable to flooding. The drains in the open could be dug and inlet chambers built on the roadsides at intervals to permit storm water’s entry.

The drains are designed to redirect the water to the sewer treatment facility of an existing watercourse. The drains in conjunction together with the sewer system must not be overloaded. And when the need arises the stormwater drains need to be designed to divert the water into ponds or storage pools.

2. Construction of water drains for farms

The open drains of fields that are irrigated are believed to be the primary source of schistosomiasis for those who live in these regions. Thus, it is essential to create and construct correctly lined drains that have self-draining systems. Also, weeds should be regularly eliminated off the system in order to lessen wear and tear and the breeding grounds for snails responsible for Schistosomiasis-related infections.

3. Participation and education for the community

The people who live in areas with drains that are open must be informed about the dangers of disposing of household garbage, in addition to other pollutants and harmful chemicals within the drainage system. The proper disposal practices should be taught in addition. However, training of the community will not suffice to solve the issue.

Education should instead include community participation in the process of policy-making and decision-making when dealing with open drain issues. Participation from the community can be achieved through public hearings and studies, reports, workshops as well as public gatherings.

4. Urban drainage review and planning of drainage systems

In the urban areas, open drains occur usually as a consequence of poor city planning and design which hinders the development of large and well-protected drainage systems to channel stormwater.

Many urban areas rely on traditional open drainage models. This is why it is imperative for the owners of these regions to review their urban planning practices and plans for housing. A properly designed and planned open drains  are required to be covered by concrete slabs to prevent infections and diseases

5. Urban Housing and Planning laws

Legislation on urban housing and planning must be implemented to reduce the detrimental impacts on free drains. The focus must be placed on the policies that focus on setting minimum standards for the design and construction of urban drainage systems that meet sustainable urban drainage system needs.

Conclusion

The open drains in place should be maintained on a regular basis to minimise the negative effects of illnesses, diseases or the risk of flooding and blocked drains northern beaches. Drains that have silt and solid deposits must be cleared and cleaned. This procedure should be performed frequently to avoid obstructions and flooding.