The Lagos State Government has intensified efforts to regulate water production and distribution, warning that unsafe water practices pose serious health and environmental risks across the state.
Eko Hot News 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 stated that the engagement aimed to address the dangers of untreated water, indiscriminate borehole drilling, and poor hygiene practices, noting that regulation and collaboration are now crucial in a rapidly expanding megacity like Lagos.
She explained that although Lagos is surrounded by water, most available sources are unsafe for direct consumption due to salinity, contaminants, and heavy metals, making proper treatment a non-negotiable necessity.
According to her, the increasing dependence on poorly located boreholes has heightened the risk of waterborne diseases such as cholera, typhoid fever, and diarrhoea, stressing that the appearance of water does not guarantee its safety.
Adeyemo noted that improving access to safe water would reduce preventable illnesses and ease pressure on health facilities, adding that Lagos residents require an estimated 135 litres of water per person daily.
Beyond public health, she warned that unregulated groundwater extraction threatens the environment, leading to land subsidence, flooding risks, and damage to roads, buildings, and aquifers.
She reaffirmed that LASWARCO regulates borehole drillers, sachet and bottled water producers, tanker operators, and other providers to ensure safety, urging stakeholders to prioritise quality and compliance.
Adeyemo also disclosed that the state government is expanding access to pipe-borne water through ongoing rehabilitation and expansion of waterworks across Lagos.
She cited 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.
Calling for shared responsibility, she stressed that sustainable water safety in Lagos depends on ethical practices, voluntary compliance, and strong partnerships.
