Possible response:

Health Risks of Grey Water in Delhi

Grey water is wastewater generated from domestic activities such as bathing, washing, and cleaning, which is not contaminated with feces or urine. However, if grey water mixes with sewage or drinking water, it can become a potential source of microbial contamination and chemical pollution, leading to various health risks. In Delhi, some areas have reported grey water flowing from their taps, due to the mixing of contents from leaky pipes. Two specific diseases that can spread due to such problems are:

1. Waterborne infections: Grey water may contain pathogenic microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, and parasites, which can cause infections if ingested or exposed to skin or mucous membranes. Some of the common waterborne diseases that can be spread through contaminated water are:

- Diarrhoeal diseases: Caused by bacteria like Escherichia coli, Salmonella, or Vibrio cholera, or viruses like norovirus or rotavirus, diarrhoea can lead to dehydration, malnutrition, and even death, especially in children under five years of age.
- Hepatitis A: Caused by the hepatitis A virus, which can survive in contaminated water for months, hepatitis A can cause inflammation of the liver, jaundice, and flu-like symptoms, and can spread through food and water contaminated by infected faeces.

2. Chemical intoxication: Grey water may also contain toxic chemicals such as detergents, soaps, solvents, and heavy metals, which can accumulate in the body and cause various health problems over time. Some of the chemical pollutants that can be found in grey water are:

- Sodium lauryl sulphate: A common ingredient in many cleaning and personal care products, sodium lauryl sulphate can irritate the skin and eyes, and may also disrupt the hormonal balance and cause cancer, according to some studies.
- Lead: A toxic metal that can leach from old pipes and fixtures, lead can affect the nervous system, the immune system, and the kidneys, and can cause developmental delays and behavioural problems in children, even at low levels of exposure.

Conclusion:

The mixing of grey water with drinking water in Delhi can pose significant health risks to the population, especially vulnerable groups such as children, pregnant women, and the elderly. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure proper maintenance of the water supply and sewerage systems, and to promote awareness about safe water handling and hygiene practices, such as boiling, chlorination, and filtration of drinking water, and avoiding contact with contaminated water.

Typhoid and cholera because both are waterborne disease.