Welcome to Stellenbosch University

Water and Food

​Water plays an important role in the transmission of waterborne diseases, be it surface water, wastewater or seawater. 

Besides water, food is an important vehicle for pathogens. The bacterium Vibrio cholerae that causes cholera can survive on a variety of foods that become infected through direct contact or contaminated water. Food contamination is common, especially in developing countries where public health measures are poorly enforced. It is only through providing a sustainable water supply of a high quality that waterborne diseases can be prevented. This will require education, communication and the use of appropriate and innovative low-cost technologies.​​​