Urban and rural sanitation and hygiene

People living in urban areas are more likely to have sanitation facilities than rural residents, however, the rapid growth of many cities, especially in developing countries, has caused pressing problems such as lack of access to sanitation facilities. In rural areas, a safe, convenient water supply is one of the highest priorities. Unfortunately, rural water supply and services in most poor countries are unsustainably financed, poorly maintained, operate within a weak policy framework, and are characterized as having a wide gap between intentions and outcomes. Provision of water is intertwined with sanitation and health. One of the primary causes of water contamination is the inadequate or improper disposal of human (and animal) excreta. This often leads to a cycle of infection (resulting primarily in diarrheal diseases) and contamination that remains one of the leading causes of illness and death in the developing world. The World Health Organization and UNICEF promote three key hygiene behaviors as having the greatest potential health impact: 1) hand washing with soap (or ash or other aid); 2) safe disposal of children’s feces; and 3) safe water handling and storage.

Case Studies

Tending to treatment in Thailand Bangkok, Thailand | June 1, 2004 The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration selected CH2M HILL to oversee the design, construction and operation of two new wastewater collection and treatment systems. Learn more

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