#inadequate sanitation systems

[toiletday]

Increase Investment to reach the goal of a toilet for all by 2030.

 "Without proper access, millions of people the world over are deprived of the dignity, safety and convenience of a decent toilet,"  Dr. Tedros.

[gemsartsjewellery]

[empirearchives]

Napoleon and Water

Excerpt from the book Aaron Burr in Exile: A Pariah in Paris, 1810-1811, by Jane Merrill and John Endicott

Aaron Burr lived in Paris for 15 months, and this book goes into detail about those years living under Napoleon’s rule. This part focuses on Napoleon’s water related reforms.

———

Napoleon’s fountains gave drinking water to the population, that is, children drank water, not beer. The water was free, not purchased. And the apartment would have had a separate water closet equipped with squat toilets (adopted from the Turks) and a bucket to wash it after use. Some restaurants and cafes had W.C.s, even one for ladies and one for gents. These were hooked into the sewer system that branched under each important street.

Napoleon merits points for delivering fresh water to Paris. If serving Paris with water from the d'Ourcq River by canals was not be a consummate success, Paris gained 40 new fountains, and the emperor commanded that fountains run all day (instead of a few limited hours) and that the water be free of charge.

Perhaps the most laudable of Napoleon’s policies were utilitarian city works, especially bringing clean water and sanitation to Paris. The improvements to infrastructure included new quays to prevent floods, new gutters and pavement, new aqueducts and fountains, and relocating cemeteries and slaughterhouses to the outskirts of the city. This was also a way of keeping up employment. An Austrian aristocrat in town during Napoleon’s wedding to Marie-Louise wrote his mother, in Vienna: “Nothing can give an idea of the immense projects undertaken simultaneously in Paris. The incoherence of it is incredible; one cannot imagine that the life of a single man would be enough to finish them.”

It was a tall order. Previous rulers had been aware of the problems and one big engineering initiative, a failed marvel, had been the waterworks at Marly, located on the banks of the Seine about seven miles from Paris. Louis XIV had it constructed to pump water from the river to his chateaux of Versailles and Marly. This was the machine marvel of its age, with 250 pumps that forced river water up a 500-foot rise to an aqueduct, and it was a sight Burr mentions going to see. By 1817 the “Marly machine” had deteriorated because it was made of wood, and the waterworks were abandoned.

Charles-Augustin Sainte-Beuve, the prominent 19th century literary critic, wrote that there had been “ten years of anarchy, sedition and laxity, during which no useful work had been undertaken, not a street had been cleaned, not a residence repaired nothing improved or cleansed.” Postrevolutionary Paris was at a nadir in terms of both the inadequate, disease-ridden water supply and the filthy streets, which were basically open sewers, deep with black mud and refuse.

“Napoleon,” writes Alistair Horne, “was obsessed by the water of Paris, and everything to do with it.”

Parisians had mostly been getting their water directly from the Seine or lining up at the scant pay fountains. In 1806, nineteen new wells for fountains were dug that flowed day and night and were free. Napoleon had a canal built 60 miles from the River Ourcq, ordering 500 men to dig it, while still a consul in 1801. It brought water to the Bassin de la Villette, opening in 1808. Some doubted the wisdom of having such an abundance of water—an oriental luxury that might incur moral decay. Now the supply of water for firefighting was also much improved. The canal had light boats, as Napoleon tried to make back some of the huge expenditure by licensing navigation, and a circular aqueduct from which underground conduits went to the central city. In 1810, there were still many water porters wheeling barrels through the city.

Now Napoleon attacked the problem of the Seine as a catchall for pollution. Parisians were so used to it that men swam naked in the river and a contemporary guidebook advised merely that the water of the Seine had no ill effects on foreigners so long as they drank it mixed with wine or a drop of vinegar. Thus houses on bridges were demolished and an immense push began to clean and modernize the city sewers.

As this book is about Aaron Burr, here is section about Burr taking inspiration by a new water related invention during his time in Paris:

Remarkably for someone who was very aware of his health, he never complained of the water. He did, however, take an interest in an invention to make it easier to dig a well. When the inventor of a process to make vinegar from the sap of any tree was not in his shop, Burr and a friend, “Crede”, went to see another invention: “We went then to see Mons. Cagniard, and his new invention of raising water and performing any mechanical operation. His apparatus is a screw of Archimedes turned the reverse, air, water, and quick silver. Cagniard was abroad; but we saw a model, and worked it, and got the report of a committee of the Institute on the subject. If the thing performs what is said I will apply it to give water to Charleston.”

[Bold italics for quotations by me]

[workersolidarity]

🇵🇸 🚨

DISEASE, ALONG WITH A LACK OF MEDICAL SUPPLIES AND SANITATION RISKS FURTHER DISASTER IN THE GAZA STRIP

📹 A Palestinian man shows green, algae-filled water buildup in the Gaza Strip as a result of Israel's ongoing bombing and shelling, describing how disease is spreading through the Palestinian population displaced by the Israeli genocide.

The Palestinian man describes the situation as an "environmental and health catastrophe" that risks spreading disease among the population of the Gaza Strip.

"The situation has reached a critical point after government and health authorities reported an outbreak affecting half a million people," the man tells the viewer.

"The outbreak is linked to a variety of diseases caused by parasites, bacteria, and other viral illnesses," he says, adding that "the crises in the Gaza Strip has been exacerbated by the occupation's targeting of intersections, streets, and large swaths of land, leading to the bursting of sewage lines that pass through these areas."

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the risk of disease is also being exacerbated by several other factors, including, "overcrowding, inadequate water and sanitation, disruption of routine healthcare services, and a dysfunctional health system" as a result of Israel's ongoing aggression.

The WHO emphasizes the importance of "ensuring ensuring access to safe water, sanitation, the importance of hand hygiene, the availability of [Infection Prevention and Control] IPC supplies, and the appropriate selection and use of personal protective equipment based on risk assessment," all of which is being hampered by continued bombing, shelling and blockade enforced by the Israeli occupation army.

#source

#videosource

@WorkerSolidarityNews

[why-am-i-not-fictional]

Things to script - nature or status of realities

This is something I recently started inputting into my DRs to make them better and safe. I got much help from ChatGPT too to categorize all these things. I wanted to share it with you guys too :) feel free to use anything for your scripts. Happy Shifting!!!

All of the below discriminations does not exist in any of my DRs

Misogyny

Racism

Homophobia

Transphobia

Classism

Ableism

Ageism

Xenophobia

Islamophobia

Anti-Semitism

Colorism

Nationalism

Casteism

Environmental injustice

Sexism

Sizeism

Religious discrimination

Ethnic discrimination

Discrimination based on immigration status

Discrimination based on language

Discrimination based on nationality

Discrimination based on indigenous status

Discrimination based on political beliefs

Discrimination based on marital status

Discrimination based on parental status

Discrimination based on veteran status

Discrimination based on HIV/AIDS status

Discrimination based on neurodiversity

Discrimination based on mental health status

Discrimination based on physical appearance

Discrimination based on cultural practices

Discrimination based on regional or geographical origin

Discrimination based on caste or social status

Discrimination based on educational background

Discrimination based on housing status

Discrimination based on criminal record

Discrimination based on economic status

Discrimination based on access to healthcare

Discrimination based on access to education

Discrimination based on access to employment opportunities

All of the below issues have been solved many years ago and they do not exist in the times of any of my DRs

Poverty

Economic inequality

Environmental degradation

Climate change

Pollution

Deforestation

Political instability

Armed conflicts

Civil wars

Humanitarian crises

Global health challenges

Infectious diseases

Pandemics

Inadequate healthcare systems

Lack of access to essential medicines

Educational disparities

Limited access to quality education

Illiteracy

Child labor

Child marriage

Gender inequality

Women's rights violations

Child labor

Human trafficking

Forced labor

Modern slavery

Corruption

Lack of transparency

Ineffective governance

Authoritarian regimes

Suppression of free speech

Violations of human rights

Arbitrary detention

Torture

Persecution

Indigenous rights violations

Land grabs

Cultural appropriation

Technological and digital divides

Ethical dilemmas in technology

Privacy concerns

Data breaches

Cybersecurity threats

Food insecurity

Malnutrition

Water scarcity

Access to clean water

Sanitation issues

Homelessness

Housing affordability

Urbanization challenges

Aging population

Elder abuse

Mental health stigma

Lack of access to mental health services

Substance abuse

Addiction

Disability rights violations

Accessibility barriers

Stigmatization of disabilities

LGBTQ+ rights violations

Discrimination based on sexual orientation

Discrimination based on gender identity

Family rejection

Reproductive rights violations

Access to reproductive healthcare

Maternal mortality

Child mortality

Access to clean energy

Energy poverty

Fossil fuel dependence

Renewable energy transition challenges

Wildlife conservation

Endangered species protection

Animal rights violations

All the DRs I shift to are abundant of the following things 

Compassion

Empathy

Cooperation

Collaboration

Sustainability

Environmental stewardship

Peacebuilding

Conflict resolution

Dialogue

Reconciliation

Education

Knowledge-sharing

Critical thinking

Cultural diversity

Cultural respect

Inclusivity

Equality

Justice

Ethical leadership

Integrity

Accountability

Service to others

Health promotion

Well-being

Healthcare access

Mental health support

Social support systems

Innovation

Creativity

Social justice

Fairness

Equity

Human rights

Freedom of expression

Freedom of assembly

Democratic governance

Rule of law

Transparency

Accountability mechanisms

Community empowerment

Grassroots activism

Civic engagement

Volunteerism

Philanthropy

Sustainable development

Responsible consumption

Renewable energy adoption

Conservation

Biodiversity protection

Animal welfare

Gender equality

Women's empowerment

LGBTQ+ rights

Disability rights

Indigenous rights

Racial equity

Anti-discrimination policies

Social welfare programs

Poverty alleviation

Economic empowerment

Access to education

Access to clean water

Sanitation infrastructure

Housing rights

Food security

Global cooperation

International aid and development

Humanitarian assistance

Conflict prevention

Diplomacy

Multilateralism

Solidarity

Tolerance

Forgiveness

Resilience

All of the DRs I shift into are currently successfully overcoming the following challenges as they rise

Sustaining Progress: Maintaining the momentum of positive change and preventing regression into previous discriminatory attitudes and practices.

Ensuring Equity: Addressing lingering disparities and ensuring that the benefits of progress are equitably distributed across all communities.

Adapting to Changing Circumstances: Remaining flexible and responsive to evolving societal needs, dynamics, and challenges over time.

Balancing Interests: Navigating competing interests, values, and priorities among diverse stakeholders in society.

Preventing Backlash: Mitigating potential backlash from individuals or groups who may resist or oppose efforts to eliminate discrimination and promote positive change.

Addressing Unforeseen Consequences: Anticipating and addressing unintended consequences or side effects of interventions aimed at addressing societal issues.

Managing Complexity: Dealing with the complexity of interconnected social, economic, political, and environmental systems, which may require interdisciplinary approaches and collaboration.

Maintaining Engagement: Sustaining public engagement, participation, and support for ongoing efforts to promote equality, justice, and well-being.

Ensuring Accountability: Holding individuals, institutions, and governments accountable for upholding principles of fairness, transparency, and ethical conduct.

Resisting Entrenched Power Structures: Challenging and dismantling entrenched power structures, systems of privilege, and institutionalized forms of discrimination.

Addressing Global Challenges: Collaborating internationally to address global challenges such as climate change, inequality, and conflict, which require coordinated action across borders.

Cultural Sensitivity: Respecting and accommodating diverse cultural norms, values, and perspectives while promoting universal principles of human rights and equality.

Managing Resources: Efficiently allocating resources and managing competing demands to sustain progress and address ongoing needs in society.

Promoting Inclusivity: Ensuring that marginalized or vulnerable groups are included in decision-making processes and benefit from positive changes in society.

Building Trust: Fostering trust, cooperation, and solidarity among individuals, communities, and institutions to sustain positive social transformation.

Addressing New Challenges: Remaining vigilant and adaptive to emerging challenges and threats to equality, justice, and well-being in an ever-changing world.

[sabakos]

I think watching how easily nonsense spreads on the internet has immunized me from the idea that traditional knowledge systems were any better than random chance at conveying useful information. For every thing that people have "always done this way" that leads to an improved crop yield there are others that did nothing or were harmful, and the main limits on population growth and environmental impact remained inadequate sanitation and/or starvation.

[rabbitcruiser]

World Toilet Day

World Toilet Day…at first glance, this seems like an unlikely candidate for a holiday and more like some sort of joke, but the day is nowhere as trivial or humorous as it may seem. All in all, it strives to draw attention to various sanitation issues around the world and work towards resolving them.

Despite access to proper sanitation being declared a basic human right, one in three people across the globe, so some 2.5 billion people in total, do not have regular access to a toilet. Additionally, even amongst those who do have such access, unclean and unsafe toilets pose problems of their own, including contributing towards the spread of diseases like cholera, typhoid and hepatitis—in some parts of Africa, diarrhea is one of the main child-killers.

Open defecation is also responsible for increasing the number of sexual assaults perpetrated on women and children. Furthermore, when young girls begin menstruating, the lack of privacy forces them to stay home from school, thus limiting their chances of getting a basic education and, what comes after that, a decent job in the future. World Toilet Day’s ultimate goal is to allow everyone on the planet to take care of their most basic needs without having to fear for their safety.

History of World Toilet Day

World Toilet Day was created by the World Toilet Organization in 2001. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon of the United Nations said: “We have a moral imperative to end open defecation and a duty to ensure women and girls are not at risk of assault and rape simply because they lack a sanitation facility.”

He went on to talk about how having to defecate openly infringes on human safety and dignity, and how women and girls risk rape and abuse as they wait until night falls to relieve themselves because they lack of access to a toilet that offers privacy. Another issue is that toilets generally remain inadequate for populations with special needs, such as the disabled and elderly.

Since its inception, World Toilet Day has played a vital role in challenging governments, businesses and other groups to make changes. It has also worked towards breaking various taboos surrounding the topic, in order to facilitate discussion and lead to the creation of better, safer solutions.

World Toilet Day Timeline

3000 BC Pipes carry waste

Even a few thousand years ago various people groups (in Scotland, India, Mesopotamia and more) would use pipe systems to carry waste out of their houses and into rivers or streams.

100-200 AD Group toilets for soldiers

Remains of Housesteads Roman Fort at Hadrian’s Wall in the UK reveals that perhaps 20 or more soldiers would all use a common ‘toilet’ (essentially these were long benches with holes in them) at the same time.

Middle Ages (500-1500 AD) Garderobes are used

Predating the toilet, “garderobes” were little rooms that hung over the sides of the castle. This little closet had a bench with a hole in it where the waste would drop into a moat or pit below.

During this time, many people would also use chamber pots, which would be kept in bedrooms or ‘chambers’ and then emptied (sometimes simply thrown out the window) when full. This function carried on for quite some time.

1596 Flushing toilet is invented

Although its widespread use did not arrive until a couple of centuries later, the first flushing toilet was described by Sir John Harington, an English courtier. This toilet was a pot that used gravity to feed water through it from a cistern that sat upstairs.

1775 First toilet patent issued

Scottish Inventor Alexander Cummings was the creator of the important pipe that ran in an S-shape below the bowl. This ingenious design used the water in the bowl to seal off the sewer gas from below and eventually led the way to mass production of the toilet.

1829 First toilets in a hotel

The Tremont Hotel in Boston, USA installed eight indoor water closets for its guests.

1866 World’s first bathroom showroom

Marlboro Works showroom is opened by English sanitary engineer Thomas Crapper (yes, that’s his real name). At a time when people didn’t speak much about their bodily functions, this public display of toilets was revolutionary.

1880s Thomas Crapper invents the ballcock

Toilets that have this invention, the “ballcock”, are less likely to overflow. Crapper created the floating valve as well as eight other patented improvements for plumbing and sewage. He also did a lot of plumbing for British royalty around this time. 

1910 Elevated water tank

A similar design to today’s toilets, the closed water tank and bowl moves into common use.

1986 Sensor flushes introduced

In Japan, the first toilets with sensors that would flush on their own were used.

2001 World Toilet Organization is created

The World Toilet Organization moves to educate people about the sanitation crisis.  Even in today’s modern times, more than 2 billion people across the world still do not have access to a toilet.

2013 World Toilet Day made official by the UN

In an effort to raise awareness and support for places where people don’t have proper access to sanitation, the first UN World Toilet Day is celebrated on November 19, 2013.

How to celebrate World Toilet Day

I think by now it’s been made abundantly clear that World Toilet Day is far from being a joke, dealing instead with the protection of one of humanity’s most basic rights. So how can you help? There are a number of things you could do. For starters, why not visit the World Toilet Day website, Facebook page or Twitter account and share the message across social media platforms?

This may seem like a tiny, unimportant gesture, but raising awareness about serious problems is one of the things social media does best, aside from bombarding you with pictures of babies and kittens. The more people know about a problem, the more money can be raised to fight it, as the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge so perfectly demonstrated. So don’t think your clicking “share” means anything. It doesn’t.

Another thing you could do as a way of observing World Toilet Day Would be of course to make a donation, so if you have the means, know that every dollar helps.

Source

[newsbites]

News from Africa, 19 June

Hage Geingob will host Danish PM Mette Frederiksen and Dutch PM Mark Rutte today in Namibia. Green hydrogen will reportedly be among the subjects discussed.

2. Namibia's proposed visa exemption for Chinese nationals is a bilateral agreement that would benefit both countries, according to China's ambassador to Namibia, Zhao Weiping.

Some Namibian politicians have objected to the proposal, with opposition leader McHenry Venaani claiming it is a "hoodwinking process" for Chinese prisoners to come to the country, and aspiring presidential candidate Job Amupanda alleging that it involves a deal between the ruling party and China to garner support for next year's elections.

The proposed agreement's main goal is to attract Chinese tourists and help Namibia become competitive again after the Covid-19 pandemic, according to Namibia's minister of home affairs, immigration, safety and security, Albert Kawana.

3. Angola and Zambia signed a memorandum of understanding to enhance cooperation in information technology, including digital transformation, AI, and space technology.

The agreement includes the establishment of direct cross-border optical fibre backbone connectivity between the two countries, scheduled to happen this month.

The collaboration is expected to help improve the regulation of the Angolan and Zambian telecom markets and lead to improved coverage and quality of ICT services provided in both countries.

4. Namibia is embarking on a journey of digital transformation to modernize various aspects of the country's life.

The Department of Home Affairs, Immigration and Security recently announced the successful implementation of an online passport application system, a major step towards delivering home affairs government services through digital channels. Namibia is partnering with Estonia to bring government services online and gradually prepare citizens for the transformation ahead. The Vice Minister of ICT recognizes the importance of foreign direct investment (FDI) for African technology spaces, but stresses the need for a clear roadmap or strategy to ensure that solutions developed in Africa fit the lifestyle on the continent.

5. Nigeria has 71 million people living in extreme poverty and 133 million people are classified as multidimensionally poor, according to 2023 data from the World Poverty Clock and the National Bureau of Statistics.

6. The Bank of Namibia increased the repo rate to safeguard the dollar-rand peg and contain inflationary pressures, but this will severely impact consumers who rely on debt to survive.

The governor expressed empathy for people losing their homes due to rising debt costs, and urged the nation to find better solutions to keep more Namibians in their homes while maintaining financial stability.

7. The fighting in Sudan has caused a surge in refugees fleeing to South Sudan, exacerbating an already dire humanitarian crisis.

The UN has called for $253 million in funding to respond to the crisis, but donations have been slow to come in.

The lack of resources and funding has led to inadequate food, water, and sanitation facilities in transit camps, resulting in malnutrition, disease, and preventable deaths.

[beardedmrbean]

Brittney Griner will enter a system of isolation, grueling labor and psychological torment when she is transferred to a penal colony, the successor to the infamous Russian gulag, to fulfill a nine-year sentence handed down Tuesday in Moscow, former prisoners and advocates said. 

Human rights violations are a regular feature of many of the camps, according to the U.S. State Department, human rights groups and others who have maintained regular contact with prisoners in Russia. That the WNBA star, who lost her appeal Tuesday, is a gay Black woman could add unknown variables to a penal system that is known to be remote and harrowing. 

“Conditions in prisons and detention centers varied but were often harsh and life threatening,” a 2021 State Department report on Russian human rights abuses said. “Overcrowding, abuse by guards and inmates, limited access to health care, food shortages, and inadequate sanitation were common in prisons, penal colonies, and other detention facilities.

The report notes that “physical and sexual abuse by prison guards was systemic,” that torture of prisoners was pervasive — at times resulting in death or suicide — and that discriminatory protections against women and people of color were not often enforced. The law also does not prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation.

“Russian prisons are grim, even relative to prisons in other countries. And the Putin regime has ramped up hostility towards gays and lesbians as part of its broader policy of hard-line nationalism,” said Muriel Atkin, a Russian history professor at George Washington University.

That adds further concerns to a fraught situation. While tensions between the White House and the Kremlin continue to boil over the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Griner’s agent, Lindsay Colas, emphasized Tuesday that she believes Moscow is using Griner’s imprisonment as leverage against the U.S.

“Brittney Griner’s nine-plus year sentence is regarded as harsh and extreme by Russian legal standards,” Colas said in a statement Tuesday on Twitter. “Today’s disappointing, yet unsurprising, appeal outcome further validates the fact that she is being held hostage and is being used as a political pawn. Brittney Griner is being held by Russia simply because she is an American.”

The type of penal colony Griner — who was arrested for carrying two cartridges of cannabis oil — will be sent to is most likely a repurposed Soviet gulag, a brutal system of labor camps and prisons that incarcerated millions of people from the 1920s to the 1950s. Prisoners were used for farming, mining or logging in sparsely populated areas of the country or worked in sweatshop conditions. 

Typically such compounds are found in the far northern and eastern reaches of Russia as part of a unique system that aims to both imprison and exile convicts, according to an Amnesty International report published last year. It can often take weeks for prisoners to arrive at the prisons on prison trucks and specially designed train carriages called Stolypins.

Prisoners are extremely vulnerable and can be difficult to locate during the arduous journeys, Amnesty International noted. That has gained notice with the imprisonment of high-profile figures, such as oligarch Mikhail Khodorkovsky, Pussy Riot band member Nadezhda Tolokonnikova and opposition leader Aleksei Navalny, among others.

[divya1234]

Managing Neonatal and Post-Weaning Diarrhea: Key Strategies for Swine Growth and Health

Swine production faces numerous challenges, with enteric diseases being a particularly pressing issue. Diarrhea in pigs, especially during the neonatal and post-weaning stages, can have a profound impact on their health and growth. Effective management strategies are essential for swine farmers to address these problems and ensure the well-being of their herds.

Neonatal diarrhea, or scours, is a common condition affecting piglets within their first few weeks of life. It can result from a range of factors, including bacterial, viral, or parasitic infections, poor sanitation, or inadequate colostrum intake. The primary concerns with neonatal diarrhea are dehydration and nutrient loss, which can lead to slowed growth and increased mortality rates. To combat this issue, farmers should prioritize hygiene and ensure that piglets receive adequate colostrum, which provides essential antibodies and nutrients.

For managing neonatal diarrhea, anti-diarrheal supplements like Diaboulard can be highly effective. These products are formulated to address the specific needs of young pigs, helping to stabilize gut health and promote recovery. Ingredients in such supplements may include natural compounds that support hydration, reduce inflammation, and restore normal intestinal function.

Post-weaning diarrhea is another significant challenge in swine production. The stress associated with weaning, combined with dietary changes and exposure to new pathogens, can lead to digestive upset in piglets. The transition from milk to solid feed is a critical period where pigs are particularly vulnerable to gastrointestinal issues. To minimize the impact, it is essential to manage weaning stress, provide a balanced diet, and use targeted anti-diarrheal products.

Diaboulard and similar supplements offer support during the post-weaning period by helping to regulate the digestive system and strengthen the immune response. These products often include ingredients that promote gut health and reduce the risk of infections, aiding in a smoother transition and better overall health.

Incorporating anti-diarrheal supplements into a comprehensive health management strategy can lead to improved growth rates, reduced mortality, and enhanced overall well-being of swine. Farmers should also focus on maintaining good hygiene, optimizing nutrition, and monitoring the health of their herds to address enteric diseases effectively.

managing neonatal and post-weaning diarrhea is crucial for the success of swine production. By employing strategies such as improving hygiene, using effective anti-diarrheal supplements like Diaboulard, and providing proper nutrition, farmers can ensure healthier piglets, better growth rates, and a more productive operation.

For more information visit us:

[toiletday]

Making the Invisible Visible.

We face a global sanitation crisis. 

Today, 3.6 billion people are still living with poor quality toilets that ruin their health and pollute their environment. 

Inadequate sanitation systems spread human waste into rivers, lakes and soil, contaminating the water resources under our feet.

Safely managed sanitation protects groundwater from human waste pollution.  Everyone must have access to a toilet connected to a sanitation system that effectively removes and treats human waste.

The link between sanitation and groundwater cannot be overlooked. 

This World Toilet Day, let’s make the the invisible visible.

[actonmahomerepair]

Commercial Kitchen Repair Services in Acton: Keeping Your Business Running Smoothly

In Acton, a thriving town with a diverse culinary scene, the functionality and reliability of commercial kitchens are crucial for business success. From bustling restaurants to catering companies, commercial kitchens need to operate efficiently to meet customer demands and maintain health and safety standards. When equipment breaks down or issues arise, timely and professional repair services are essential. This article explores the importance of commercial kitchen repair services in Acton and provides guidance on how to keep your kitchen running smoothly.

The Importance of Commercial Kitchen Repair Services

1. Minimize Downtime

In the fast-paced world of food service, every minute counts. Equipment failures can lead to significant downtime, disrupting operations and affecting your bottom line. Prompt repair services ensure that issues are addressed quickly, minimizing disruptions and helping you maintain consistent service.

2. Ensure Food Safety

Malfunctioning equipment can pose serious risks to food safety. For example, a broken refrigeration unit can lead to spoilage and contamination. Regular maintenance and swift repairs are crucial to adhering to health and safety regulations and preventing potential foodborne illnesses.

3. Extend Equipment Lifespan

Routine maintenance and timely repairs can extend the lifespan of your kitchen equipment. Addressing minor issues before they escalate into major problems can help you avoid costly replacements and ensure your equipment remains in good working condition.

4. Maintain Compliance

Commercial kitchens must adhere to various local and state regulations. Regular maintenance and repairs help ensure that your kitchen meets all health and safety standards, avoiding potential fines and legal issues.

Common Commercial Kitchen Equipment Issues

1. Refrigeration Failures

Refrigerators and freezers are critical for storing perishable goods. Common issues include temperature fluctuations, compressor failures, and refrigerant leaks. These problems can lead to food spoilage and require immediate attention.

2. Oven and Range Malfunctions

Ovens and ranges are essential for cooking and baking. Problems such as uneven heating, temperature inaccuracies, and ignition issues can impact food quality and cooking efficiency. Regular servicing helps prevent these issues and ensures optimal performance.

3. Dishwasher Problems

Dishwashers must perform reliably to maintain sanitation standards. Issues such as poor water drainage, inadequate cleaning, and malfunctioning heating elements can affect your kitchen’s hygiene and workflow.

4. Ventilation System Failures

Proper ventilation is vital for removing smoke, odors, and heat from the kitchen. Malfunctioning hoods and exhaust systems can lead to poor air quality and increased fire risks. Regular inspections and repairs are necessary to keep your ventilation system functioning effectively.

5. Plumbing Issues

Plumbing problems, such as clogged drains or leaky pipes, can disrupt kitchen operations and lead to water damage. Timely repairs are essential to prevent more severe issues and maintain a clean and efficient workspace.

Choosing the Right Repair Service in Acton

1. Experience and Expertise

Look for repair services with extensive experience in handling commercial kitchen equipment. They should be knowledgeable about various types of equipment and skilled in diagnosing and fixing a wide range of issues.

2. Availability and Response Time

In a busy commercial kitchen, quick response times are crucial. Choose a repair service that offers prompt emergency response and flexible scheduling to minimize downtime and address issues as soon as they arise.

3. Reputation and Reviews

Check reviews and testimonials from other businesses to gauge the quality and reliability of the repair service. A good reputation and positive feedback are strong indicators of a service provider’s competence and professionalism.

4. Certified Technicians

Ensure that the repair technicians are certified and trained to work on commercial kitchen equipment. Certification is a mark of expertise and adherence to industry standards, ensuring that repairs are conducted safely and effectively.

5. Comprehensive Services

A good repair service should offer a wide range of services, including routine maintenance, emergency repairs, and equipment installation. This comprehensive approach ensures that all your kitchen needs are met by a single trusted provider.

[tiptoprestorationpasadena]

The Full Guide: Water Damage Restoration

Water damage can be devastating to any property, whether it’s a home, business, or industrial structure. When water invades a space, it can cause a wide range of problems, from structural damage to mold growth, endangering the health of occupants and compromising the building's integrity. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about water damage restoration, from initial assessment to final restoration.

1. What is Water Damage Restoration?

Water damage restoration is the process of cleaning, drying, repairing, and restoring a property that has been affected by water. This process involves not only removing visible water but also addressing secondary issues such as mold growth, material decay, and preventing future damage. The goal is to return the property to its original state or even improve it, ensuring it is safe and habitable.

2. Common Causes of Water Damage

Water damage can occur for various reasons, including:

- Flooding: Due to storms, overflowing rivers, or blocked drainage systems.

- Broken or leaking pipes: Which can cause a slow or sudden release of water into the property.

- Roof leaks: Typically caused by damaged or poorly maintained roofing.

- Basement flooding: Often due to inadequate drainage systems or faulty sump pumps.

- Appliance leaks: Such as washing machines, dishwashers, or water heaters.

3. Assessing Water Damage

The first step in water damage restoration is thoroughly assessing the damage. This includes:

- Identifying the source of the water: It's crucial to stop the water source before proceeding with any other steps.

- Evaluating the extent of the damage: This involves determining how much of the property has been affected, including structures, furniture, floors, and walls.

- Insurance documentation: Taking detailed photographs and notes is essential for facilitating insurance claims.

4. Water Extraction

Once the source of the water is identified and the damage assessed, the next step is water extraction. Removing all standing water as quickly as possible is vital to minimize further damage. Tools used in this phase include:

- Submersible pumps: For removing large amounts of water.

- Industrial wet/dry vacuums: To collect water on hard surfaces and carpets.

5. Drying and Dehumidification

After the water is removed, it’s crucial to thoroughly dry the affected area. Surface drying isn’t enough; moisture trapped in walls, floors, and ceilings can cause long-term damage and foster mold growth. The drying process includes:

- Industrial dehumidifiers: To remove moisture from the air.

- High-powered fans: To speed up the drying of surfaces.

- Specialized drying techniques: For hard-to-reach areas, such as inside walls.

6. Cleaning and Sanitizing

Water can carry contaminants and harmful microorganisms, especially if it comes from sources like floods or sewage pipes. It’s essential to clean and sanitize all affected areas to ensure there are no health hazards.

7. Preventing Future Water Damage

After restoration is complete, it’s important to take steps to prevent future water damage. This can include:

- Improving property drainage: Ensuring water is directed away from the structure.

- Inspecting and maintaining pipes and plumbing systems: To prevent leaks or breaks.

- Installing leak detection systems: To alert you to problems before they become disasters.

- Regular roof inspections and repairs: To prevent leaks.

8. The Importance of Choosing a Professional Restoration Company

Water damage restoration is a complex process that requires expertise and specialized equipment. Choosing a professional restoration company is crucial to ensure the job is done correctly and that the property is restored to a safe and habitable condition. Factors to consider when selecting a company include:

- Experience and reputation: Look for companies with a proven track record in water damage restoration.

- Advanced equipment: Ensure they use modern technology for water extraction and drying.

- Rapid response capability: Time is critical in water damage restoration; a company available 24/7 is essential.

Water damage restoration is a process that requires quick action, meticulous attention, and the use of advanced techniques to minimize damage and restore the property to its original state. From the initial assessment to preventing future damage, every step is vital to ensuring your home or business is safe, functional, and aesthetically pleasing.

If you are facing water damage, acting quickly and choosing TipTop Water Damage Restoration Pasadena is the best way to protect your investment and ensure a positive outcome.

TipTop Water Damage Restoration Pasadena

Pasadena, CA (626) 658-3053 www.tiptoprestoration.comhttps://maps.app.goo.gl/XQcq8dVxM49sD2fA6

[amarkumar123]

Understanding Waterborne Diseases: Causes, Prevention, and Global Impact

What Are Waterborne Diseases?

Waterborne diseases are illnesses caused by consuming or coming into contact with contaminated water. These diseases are typically spread through drinking, cooking, or bathing in water polluted by fecal matter, chemicals, or other hazardous substances. Contaminants in water can harbor bacteria, viruses, parasites, or toxins that lead to a variety of health issues, ranging from mild gastrointestinal discomfort to severe, life-threatening conditions.

Common Waterborne Diseases

Cholera

Cause: Bacterium Vibrio cholerae.

Symptoms: Severe diarrhea, dehydration, and in extreme cases, death.

Transmission: Ingesting water or food contaminated with the bacteria.

Typhoid Fever

Cause: Bacterium Salmonella typhi.

Symptoms: High fever, weakness, stomach pain, headache, and loss of appetite.

Transmission: Consuming contaminated food or water.

Dysentery

Cause: Bacteria (Shigella species) or amoebas (Entamoeba histolytica).

Symptoms: Severe diarrhea with blood, fever, and abdominal pain.

Transmission: Contaminated water, or contact with feces.

Giardiasis

Cause: Parasite Giardia lamblia.

Symptoms: Diarrhea, nausea, abdominal cramps, and dehydration.

Transmission: Ingesting water or food contaminated with the parasite.

Hepatitis A

Cause: Hepatitis A virus.

Symptoms: Fatigue, nausea, stomach pain, jaundice, and liver dysfunction.

Transmission: Consuming contaminated food or water.

Causes of Waterborne Diseases

Contaminated Water Sources: Rivers, lakes, and wells contaminated by sewage, agricultural runoff, or industrial waste are common sources.

Poor Sanitation: Lack of proper sanitation facilities increases the risk of water contamination, especially in densely populated areas.

Inadequate Water Treatment: Failure to adequately filter and disinfect water supplies can allow pathogens to persist.

Natural Disasters: Floods, hurricanes, and earthquakes can disrupt water supply systems and increase contamination risks.

Prevention Strategies

Access to Clean Water

Ensuring access to clean and safe drinking water is the most crucial step in preventing waterborne diseases.

Proper Sanitation

Building and maintaining proper sanitation facilities helps to prevent water contamination.

Water Treatment

Boiling, filtering, and chemical treatment of water can kill or remove harmful microorganisms.

Hygiene Practices

Regular handwashing with soap, especially before eating or preparing food, is essential.

Public Awareness

Educating communities about the importance of hygiene, safe water practices, and recognizing symptoms early can help reduce the incidence of waterborne diseases.

Global Impact of Waterborne Diseases

Waterborne diseases remain a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), around 2 billion people use a drinking water source contaminated with feces, and an estimated 485,000 deaths each year are caused by diarrhea due to contaminated drinking water. Beyond the immediate health impacts, waterborne diseases also contribute to long-term poverty and hinder economic development by reducing productivity and increasing healthcare costs.

[sunsetpoolsservices]

Tackling Cloudy Pool Water: Essential Repair and Maintenance Tips

Cloudy pool water is a common frustration for pool owners, turning your once-inviting oasis into something far less appealing. Fortunately, with the right strategies, this issue can be resolved and even prevented. Understanding the root causes and taking effective steps, often with the help of professional pool repair services, is crucial for maintaining crystal-clear water. Here’s how to manage cloudy pool water and keep your pool looking its best.

Understanding What Causes Cloudy Pool Water

Several factors can contribute to cloudy pool water, including imbalanced chemicals, inadequate filtration, and environmental contaminants. An incorrect pH or chlorine level is a frequent culprit, potentially leading to algae growth or ineffective sanitization. Additionally, if your pool filter is dirty or not functioning properly, it may fail to remove debris and particles, contributing to the cloudiness. Environmental influences like heavy rain, dust, and pollen can also introduce unwanted elements into your pool. Professional pool repair services can accurately diagnose the cause of cloudiness and recommend effective solutions to restore clarity.

Maintaining Balanced Water Chemistry

Achieving and maintaining the right water chemistry is key to keeping your pool water clear and safe. Regular testing and adjustment of pH, alkalinity, and chlorine levels are essential. Ideally, pH should be between 7.2 and 7.6, and chlorine levels should range from 1 to 3 ppm (parts per million). If these levels are off, adding the right chemicals can help restore balance. In some cases, a pool shock treatment, which involves adding a large dose of chlorine to eliminate bacteria and algae, might be necessary. Pool repair services can help you maintain your pool’s chemistry, ensuring that the water stays clear and welcoming.

https://sunsetpoolsservices.com/

Ensuring Effective Filtration and Circulation

A properly functioning filtration system is crucial for keeping your pool water clear. If the filter is clogged or the pump isn’t running long enough each day, debris and contaminants can build up, leading to cloudiness. It’s important to clean or backwash your filter regularly and ensure that your pump runs for the recommended 8-12 hours daily, depending on the pool’s size and usage. If your filtration system isn’t working as it should, pool repair services can inspect and fix or replace components as needed, improving water circulation and clarity.

Seeking Professional Assistance for Persistent Cloudiness

If your pool water remains cloudy despite regular maintenance, it may signal a more serious problem requiring professional attention. Persistent cloudiness could indicate issues like a malfunctioning pump, a damaged filter, or even a leak in your pool’s plumbing. Pool repair services can conduct a thorough inspection to pinpoint and address these issues, helping to restore your pool to its pristine condition. By tackling the underlying causes, professionals help prevent future cloudiness and maintain your pool’s overall health.

Dealing with cloudy pool water isn’t pleasant, but with proper maintenance and timely intervention from pool repair services, it can be managed effectively. By keeping your pool’s water chemistry balanced, ensuring proper filtration, and seeking professional help when needed, you can enjoy clear, clean water all season long.

[rabbitcruiser]

World Toilet Day

World Toilet Day…at first glance, this seems like an unlikely candidate for a holiday and more like some sort of joke, but the day is nowhere as trivial or humorous as it may seem. All in all, it strives to draw attention to various sanitation issues around the world and work towards resolving them.

Despite access to proper sanitation being declared a basic human right, one in three people across the globe, so some 2.5 billion people in total, do not have regular access to a toilet. Additionally, even amongst those who do have such access, unclean and unsafe toilets pose problems of their own, including contributing towards the spread of diseases like cholera, typhoid and hepatitis—in some parts of Africa, diarrhea is one of the main child-killers.

Open defecation is also responsible for increasing the number of sexual assaults perpetrated on women and children. Furthermore, when young girls begin menstruating, the lack of privacy forces them to stay home from school, thus limiting their chances of getting a basic education and, what comes after that, a decent job in the future. World Toilet Day’s ultimate goal is to allow everyone on the planet to take care of their most basic needs without having to fear for their safety.

History of World Toilet Day

World Toilet Day was created by the World Toilet Organization in 2001. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon of the United Nations said: “We have a moral imperative to end open defecation and a duty to ensure women and girls are not at risk of assault and rape simply because they lack a sanitation facility.”

He went on to talk about how having to defecate openly infringes on human safety and dignity, and how women and girls risk rape and abuse as they wait until night falls to relieve themselves because they lack of access to a toilet that offers privacy. Another issue is that toilets generally remain inadequate for populations with special needs, such as the disabled and elderly.

Since its inception, World Toilet Day has played a vital role in challenging governments, businesses and other groups to make changes. It has also worked towards breaking various taboos surrounding the topic, in order to facilitate discussion and lead to the creation of better, safer solutions.

World Toilet Day Timeline

3000 BC Pipes carry waste

Even a few thousand years ago various people groups (in Scotland, India, Mesopotamia and more) would use pipe systems to carry waste out of their houses and into rivers or streams.

100-200 AD Group toilets for soldiers

Remains of Housesteads Roman Fort at Hadrian’s Wall in the UK reveals that perhaps 20 or more soldiers would all use a common ‘toilet’ (essentially these were long benches with holes in them) at the same time.

Middle Ages (500-1500 AD) Garderobes are used

Predating the toilet, “garderobes” were little rooms that hung over the sides of the castle. This little closet had a bench with a hole in it where the waste would drop into a moat or pit below.

During this time, many people would also use chamber pots, which would be kept in bedrooms or ‘chambers’ and then emptied (sometimes simply thrown out the window) when full. This function carried on for quite some time.

1596 Flushing toilet is invented

Although its widespread use did not arrive until a couple of centuries later, the first flushing toilet was described by Sir John Harington, an English courtier. This toilet was a pot that used gravity to feed water through it from a cistern that sat upstairs.

1775 First toilet patent issued

Scottish Inventor Alexander Cummings was the creator of the important pipe that ran in an S-shape below the bowl. This ingenious design used the water in the bowl to seal off the sewer gas from below and eventually led the way to mass production of the toilet.

1829 First toilets in a hotel

The Tremont Hotel in Boston, USA installed eight indoor water closets for its guests.

1866 World’s first bathroom showroom

Marlboro Works showroom is opened by English sanitary engineer Thomas Crapper (yes, that’s his real name). At a time when people didn’t speak much about their bodily functions, this public display of toilets was revolutionary.

1880s Thomas Crapper invents the ballcock

Toilets that have this invention, the “ballcock”, are less likely to overflow. Crapper created the floating valve as well as eight other patented improvements for plumbing and sewage. He also did a lot of plumbing for British royalty around this time. 

1910 Elevated water tank

A similar design to today’s toilets, the closed water tank and bowl moves into common use.

1986 Sensor flushes introduced

In Japan, the first toilets with sensors that would flush on their own were used.

2001 World Toilet Organization is created

The World Toilet Organization moves to educate people about the sanitation crisis.  Even in today’s modern times, more than 2 billion people across the world still do not have access to a toilet.

2013 World Toilet Day made official by the UN

In an effort to raise awareness and support for places where people don’t have proper access to sanitation, the first UN World Toilet Day is celebrated on November 19, 2013.

How to celebrate World Toilet Day

I think by now it’s been made abundantly clear that World Toilet Day is far from being a joke, dealing instead with the protection of one of humanity’s most basic rights. So how can you help? There are a number of things you could do. For starters, why not visit the World Toilet Day website, Facebook page or Twitter account and share the message across social media platforms?

This may seem like a tiny, unimportant gesture, but raising awareness about serious problems is one of the things social media does best, aside from bombarding you with pictures of babies and kittens. The more people know about a problem, the more money can be raised to fight it, as the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge so perfectly demonstrated. So don’t think your clicking “share” means anything. It doesn’t.

Another thing you could do as a way of observing World Toilet Day Would be of course to make a donation, so if you have the means, know that every dollar helps.

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