The Lagos State Government has intensified efforts to curb unsafe water practices, warning that poor water handling and unregulated extraction pose serious health and environmental risks, particularly in riverine and fast-growing areas like Epe.
Epe Insights reports that the warning was issued by the Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Water Regulatory Commission (LASWARCO), Mrs Oluwabukola Khadijah Adeyemo, during a one-day community sensitisation and public engagement with water service stakeholders held in Epe.
Adeyemo said the programme was organised to address the dangers associated with untreated water, indiscriminate borehole drilling, and poor hygiene practices, noting that stronger regulation and stakeholder cooperation are now essential in a megacity like Lagos.
She described the engagement as a collaborative platform aimed at strengthening partnerships, improving understanding of water regulations, and promoting responsible practices across the water value chain.
According to her, although Lagos is surrounded by water, most sources are unsafe for consumption without proper treatment due to salinity, contaminants, and heavy metals, increasing residents’ exposure to water-borne diseases.
“Water is life, but unsafe water is a silent threat,” Adeyemo said, warning that clear-looking water does not automatically mean it is safe or potable.
She noted that poor handling and inadequate treatment expose residents to diseases such as cholera, typhoid fever, and diarrhoea, adding that access to safe water would ease pressure on overstretched health facilities.
Adeyemo disclosed that Lagos residents require an estimated average of 135 litres of water per person daily, underscoring the need for sustainable and safe supply systems.
Beyond health concerns, she cautioned that unregulated groundwater extraction could cause land subsidence, flooding, and damage to roads, buildings, and aquifers.
She explained that LASWARCO regulates borehole drillers, sachet and bottled water producers, tanker operators, and other providers to safeguard public health.
Adeyemo also revealed that the state government is expanding pipe-borne water access through projects such as the Akilo Water Works in Ogba, the revamp of Adiyan Phase 1, the near completion of Adiyan Phase 2, and the planned rehabilitation of Epe water facilities.
