Why does Southern and Eastern Asia have water pollution?

Rapid economic development and urbanisation has resulted in degradation and depletion of natural resources, including water and related ecosystem services. Many rivers in the region are highly polluted with domestic, industrial and agricultural waste, causing the Water Quality Index (WQI) to reach unsafe levels.

What is the source of water pollution in East Asia?

The main causes of water pollution in urban waterbodies in the region are (i) the lack of wastewater treatment facilities and solid waste management infrastructure, as well as the insufficient coverage of sewerage systems (with connection rates of only 2% in Indonesia and 10% in Viet Nam [WB 2015]); and (ii) the lack …

What is the biggest cause of water pollution in South Asia?

Domestic Pollution Rivers in Asia are highly polluted with domestic waste. Many of the region’s rivers contain up to 3 times the world average of human waste derived bacteria (measured in faecal coliforms, or FC).

What is the main issue with rivers in South Asia?

South Asia is faced with a slew of critical water-related challenges today: severe scarcity of water for drinking and agricultural purposes; uneven access to water between the rich and the poor; disparity in water availability among the various states as well as among the various sub-regions within these states; over- …

How does water pollution affect South Asia?

Groundwater, especially shallow groundwater, in many sites in South Asia is contaminated with dangerously-high levels of arsenic (12). Long-term exposure to the high levels of arsenic in drinking-water reduce child survival (13), and lead to cognitive impairment (14), cardiovascular diseases (15), and cancer (16).

Why is South Asia experiencing a water crisis?

Less than sufficient water flows in rivers, drawing down of ground water, and rapid population growth have made the region highly vulnerable to water stress. The gap between demand and supply is likely to further worsen because of the impact of climate change on weather patterns.

How does water pollution affect Asia?

The impacts are being felt by nature and people: 42% of the deaths associated with unsafe or inadequate supply of water, sanitation, and hygiene occur in Asia (Figure 2).

Why is South Asia facing the problem of scarce water?

Which environmental challenges does Southeast Asia currently face?

In addition to industrial pollution, another primary cause for environmental problems in Southeast Asia is unplanned development. Predictably, countries with well-controlled growth, like Singapore, do not suffer from the same level of land and water degradation as other areas.

What are the main rivers in Southeast Asia?

Mainland Southeast Asia is drained by five major river systems, which from west to east are the Irrawaddy, Salween, Chao Phraya, Mekong, and Red rivers.

What is the water problem in Southwest Asia?

Many countries in Southwest Asia are experiencing the increasing problem of water pollution. Per-capita availability of safe drinking water here is the worst of any region in the world. Contaminated water sources have greatly reduced the amount of clean water available for drinking.