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Project title

Enhancing human health through improved water quality.

Primary Funding Agency

Environmental Protection Agency

Co-Funding Organisation(s)

n/a

Lead Organisation

National University of Ireland Galway (NUIG)

Lead Applicant

Martin Cormican

Project Abstract

The flow of water into through and out of our bodies is indispensable to life. As it flows it can carry along with it chemicals and organisms that have a profound impact on our health. Through the course of evolution this flow of water between humans animals and environment has become a critical mechanism for transmission of many organisms. Much of the health gain of human populations in the twentieth century was achieved by control of this flow of water through the technologies of sanitation and water treatment. However even now the Global Annual Assessment of Sanitation and Drinking Water (WHO 2008) reminds us that worldwide i?2.5 billion people remain without improved sanitation facilities 900 million people still rely on unimproved drinking-water suppliesi? and that i?diarrhoeal disease is the third leading cause of death from infectious diseasesi?.The situation in Ireland is much more favourable. Irelandis relatively abundant supply of fresh water constitutes a key resource in terms of its economic amenity and aesthetic value. Access to sanitation and safe drinking water is more general and diarrhoeal disease is less likely to result in long term health impact or death because of better access for those with diarrhoeal disease.

Grant Approved

�1,062,998.40

Research Hub

Healthy Environment

Research Theme

Impacts on Aquatic Ecosystems & Human Health (including Drinking Water)

Start Date

01/02/2006

Initial Projected Completion Date

01/02/2011