CONAGUA indicates that a large number of people are forced to wait for precipitation to store the vital liquid and use it for human consumption, which can be harmful to health.
In Yucatán, data from the National Water Commission (CONAGUA) shows that 1.2% of the population, approximately 27,500 people, do not have access to potable water and are forced to store rainwater for human consumption.
Certain areas such as the Cono Sur region in the state, due to its karst geography which hinders access to water, practice this method, as well as certain communities on the east coast, and areas on the outskirts of Mérida.
In response to this situation, experts pointed out that poorly stored rainwater can be harmful to health due to the proliferation of pathogenic microorganisms, especially if the liquid is consumed or used for hygiene or food tasks.
They emphasized that it’s essential to inform the population that storing water in unsuitable containers can become a breeding ground for bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens, posing a serious threat to public health.
According to a study by the Center for Atmospheric Sciences (CCA) of UNAM, rainwater from major cities contains microorganisms, aluminum, lead, zinc, mercury, arsenic, and nickel. This is due to industrialization and high population density having adverse effects on precipitation chemistry, removing particles and gases emitted, such as those from vehicles or industrial parks.
Therefore, consuming this water can be harmful to health if not properly treated and stored, causing respiratory and gastrointestinal problems. Additionally, storing water in open containers or outdoors can lead to mosquito proliferation, carriers of diseases like Dengue, Zika, and Chikungunya.
“To ensure that rainwater can be used for human consumption, it must be stored in tanks, as this guarantees its safety and quality; however, it should also undergo advanced treatment to remove impurities. In the case of tanks, their advanced technologies and special attachments ensure optimal water quality,” experts from Rotoplas company recommended.
