Background Information
Climate is the number one factor that affects water borne diseases, both directly and indirectly. The direct impact of climate can be seen through changes in water temperatures and both precipitation frequency and intensity. Indirectly, climate effects water borne diseases through changes in ocean and coastal ecosystems such as changes in pH, nutrient and contamination runoff, salinity, and water security. These effects are felt even more strongly in areas where the population uses untreated water from rivers, streams, etc. Even in places that use treated water, a change in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather caused by climate change could insight flooding of sewage which could then increase the risk of waterborne diseases.
"Climate and Health Program". Waterborne Diseases. Center for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/climateandhealth/effects/waterborne.htm
"Climate and Health Program". Waterborne Diseases. Center for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/climateandhealth/effects/waterborne.htm
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