When we think of Goa, we often think of beaches, greenery and, of course, the heavy monsoon rains. Water seems like something we have plenty of. But despite receiving so much rainfall every year, water is a resource that we cannot afford to take for granted.
Water is a part of almost everything we do. We use it for drinking, cooking, bathing, cleaning and washing. Goa also depends heavily on water for agriculture, tourism, restaurants, hotels and other businesses. With more people visiting and settling in the state, the demand for water is naturally increasing.
One thing that can be easy to forget is that having plenty of rain does not necessarily mean having plenty of water throughout the year. A large amount of rainwater eventually flows into rivers and the sea, while groundwater levels can fall during the dry months. Increasing construction and the reduction of open, natural spaces can also affect how much rainwater is able to seep into the ground and replenish our water sources.
But water availability is only one part of the problem. The quality of the water we use is equally important.
Contaminated water can carry bacteria, viruses and parasites that can cause illnesses such as diarrhoea, dysentery, typhoid, cholera and hepatitis A and E. These diseases can become particularly concerning during the monsoon, when heavy rainfall and flooding can cause sewage and other contaminants to enter water sources.
Goa also sees a rise in certain diseases during the rainy season because of stagnant water. Mosquitoes can breed in even small collections of water around homes, construction sites, discarded containers and tyres. This creates favourable conditions for diseases such as dengue and chikungunya. Leptospirosis is another illness we need to be careful about during the monsoon, especially because people may come into contact with water or soil contaminated by infected animals.
As a doctor, one of the things that stands out to me is that many water-related illnesses are preventable. Good sanitation, clean drinking water and simple hygiene practices can make a significant difference. Making sure drinking water is properly treated, keeping water-storage containers clean and avoiding stagnant water around our homes are small steps that can go a long way.
There is also a larger responsibility that goes beyond individual households. Keeping our rivers, wells and other water bodies clean, managing waste properly and maintaining good drainage and sewage systems are important for the health of the entire community. Goa’s tourism industry also has an important role to play, since hotels, restaurants and other establishments can be significant consumers of water.
Perhaps the biggest lesson is that having water today does not guarantee that we will always have enough tomorrow. Goa’s rainfall is a gift, but how we manage that water matters. Conserving it, protecting our natural water sources and preventing pollution are things that all of us can contribute to.
Water is something most of us use every day without giving it much thought. Yet behind every glass of drinking water is a system that needs to be protected. If we want Goa to remain as beautiful, healthy and vibrant as it is today, taking care of its water has to be part of that future.
Every drop really does matter.
-Dr Anushka Silva Lobo