During and Post-COVID-19: Challenges in Water Sector and Ethical Issues

During and post-COVID-19, the main challenges in water sector are (i) access to safe water, and (ii) sanitation. A huge amount of clean water is being consumed for hand washing as a protective measure against the spread of the COVID-19 which goes as wastes. Increased consumption of drinkable water at the times of depleting groundwater levels will aggravate the adversity in this sector. This situation will further deteriorate in countries having water stress and water scarcity conditions. Presently, efforts should be made on monitoring of the water usage, augmentation of depleting water levels, conservation of water resources, finding the sustainable ways for treating the wastewater and reuse of this treated water. If needed, new regulations and control mechanisms must be practiced. Finally, a hydrogeoethical approach shall be persecuted by all in the sustainable management of water resources.