How Safe Is Your Water?
According to the World Health Organization, access to safe water is essential to health and a basic human right. Yet globally, unsafe water causes millions of deaths from diarrhea, malaria, malnutrition, and drowning. The United States has one of the safest water supplies in the world, but national statistics do not tell individuals about the quality and safety of the water coming out of their own taps. In addition, more and more reports are surfacing about contaminants in the U.S. water supply. Healthcare professionals play an important role in preventing waterborne illness and in educating the public about potential health risks related to exposure to microbial and chemical contaminants in drinking water.
Upon completion of the course, you will be able to do the following:
- Describe the scope of global water safety issues.
- Identify types of common water contaminants.
- Identify common water-related diseases and the places they are commonly found.
- List how to prevent recreational water illnesses (RWIs).
- Describe the elements of a consumer confidence report addressing water quality.
- Explain the processes used to disinfect drinking water.
- Describe ways to prevent water contamination.
Water problems affect half of humanity. Many of us think that contaminated water or lack of access to clean water is someone else’s concern. However, access to clean drinking water is becoming an ever-increasing problem that affects all of us, no matter where we live. According to the World Health Organization [WHO], access to safe drinking water is a basic human right and a component of effective policy for health protection of all global citizens (2017a). Water connects every aspect of life. According to Water.org (2018), access to safe water and sanitation quickly turns problems into potential—providing the opportunity for education, work, and improved health for women, children, and families across the world.
Did you know the following (Centers for Disease Control [CDC], 2005; Global Issues, 2013; Hotez, P. J. et al., 2006; Water.org, 2018; WHO, 2017a)?
- Globally, waterborne illness is the second leading cause of death in children under 5 years of age, resulting in over 1.8 million deaths or one child dying every 15 seconds.
- Approximately 2 to 3 million people die each year from water-related diseases (98% of these occur in the developing world). Many of these diseases are related to fecal contamination of water.
- Children in poor environments often carry 1,000 parasitic worms in their bodies at any time. Schistosomiasis—an acute and chronic disease caused by parasitic worms contracted through infested water—affects approximately 240 million people.
- Trachoma is the world’s leading cause of preventable blindness and is caused by bacterial infection as a result of poor hygiene and sanitation. Approximately 41 million people suffer from active trachoma and almost 10 million people are visually impaired or irreversibly blind as a result of trachoma.
- At any given time, 50% of the world’s hospital beds are occupied by patients suffering from a water-related disease.
- Of the nearly 900 million people who lack access to clean water, nearly half are children. One in three people lack access to a toilet. More people have access to a mobile phone than a toilet.
Complete the course post exam (CE Test) with a score of 80% or greater. Complete all fields of the course evaluation form. Certificate of Completion is provided once the course post exam is passed per criteria above.
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American Board of Managed Care NursingThe American Board of Managed Care Nursing recognizes all of ALLEGRA Learning Solutions' ANCC accredited courses for continuing education credit for Certified Managed Care Nurses (CMCNs).
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ANCC - American Nurses Credentialing CenterALLEGRA Learning Solutions, LLC is accredited with distinction as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Centers Commission on Accreditation.
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AOTA - American Occupational Therapy AssociationALLEGRA Learning Solutions, LLC, is an approved provider of continuing education for occupational therapists by the American Occupational Therapy Association. Approved Provider # 3166
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California Board of Registered NursingALLEGRA Learning Solutions is approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing, Provider # CEP 14693 for the number of hours stated.
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California Department of Health, Aid, and Technician Certification SectionThe California Department of Health, Aid, and Technician Certification Section accepts continuing education offered by CA-BRN approved providers.
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District of Columbia Board of NursingALLEGRA Learning Solutions (CE Provider # 50-12076) submits all continuing education records to CE BROKER after successful completion.
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Florida Board of NursingALLEGRA Learning Solutions, LLC is accredited as a provider of continuing education by the Florida Board of nursing (CE Provider # 50-12076). Courses are automatically submitted to CE Broker.
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Florida Board of Nursing - Certified Nursing AssistantsALLEGRA Learning Solutions (CE Broker Provider # 50-12076) submits all continuing education records to CE Broker after successful completion.
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Florida Board of Respiratory CareALLEGRA Learning Solutions, LLC is accredited as a provider of continuing education by the Florida Board of Respiratory Care
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Florida Council of Dietetics and NutritionALLEGRA Learning Solutions, LLC is accredited as a provider of continuing education by the Florida Council of Dietetitics and Nutrition
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Florida Council of Licensed MidwiferyALLEGRA Learning Solutions, LLC is accredited as a provider of continuing education by the Florida Council of Licensed Midwifery
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NAADAC - The National Association of Alcohol and Drug Abuse CounselorsThis course has been approved by ALLEGRA Learning Solutions, LLC, as a NAADAC Approved Education Provider, for educational credits. NAADAC Provider #813, ALLEGRA Learning Solutions, LLC is responsible for all aspects of their programming.
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NCBTMB -National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & BodyworkALLEGRA Learning Solutions, LLC is approved by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork (NCBTMB) as a continuing education Approved Provider. Provider Number 451562-11.
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Florida Board of Massage TherapistsALLEGRA Learning Solutions, LLC is accredited as a provider of continuing education by the Florida Board of Massage Therapists
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California Board of Behavioral SciencesCalifornia Board of Behavioral Sciences Provider Number PCE 1564. Course meets the qualifications for the stated hours of continuing education credit for MFTs and/or LCSWs as required by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences.
0.15
Beginner/Introductory
Domain of OT
September 01, 2024
- Cyndie Koopsen, RN, BSN, MBA, HNB-BC, RN-BC, HWNC-BC
- Caroline Young, MPH
Continuing education (CE) licensing requirements vary by jurisdiction, are not well defined, and may change. These CE requirements may vary in terms of the number of hours required to the types of courses that must be taken. ALLEGRA Learning Solutions, LLC recommends you contact your licensing board or accrediting organization for the latest continuing education requirements of your state or territory. Compliance with CE requirements is the responsibility of the individual health care provider. Health care providers must understand the CE requirements in their jurisdictions, and be sure they are up-to-date on any rule changes that affect their license. For further information, please see our Accreditation Information.
Every effort will be made to accommodate your special needs. To request accommodations, please contact us.
The authors/planning committee members have no conflicts of interests or relevant financial relationships to declare relevant to this activity.
No commercial support has been received for this activity.
Accreditation refers to recognition of continuing nursing education only and does not imply ALLEGRA Learning Solutions, LLC approval or endorsement of any commercial product.
None of the authors intend to discuss off-label uses of drugs, mechanical devices, biologics, or diagnostics not approved by the FDA for use in the United States.
