Stagnant Water

Stagnant water, South Sudan (Courtesy UNHCR)

Stagnant water, South Sudan (Courtesy UNHCR)

Dripping water taps, waste water from washing, and rain can form pools of stagnant water where malaria-carrying mosquitoes and other parasites breed.
Dripping water taps, waste water from washing, and rain can form pools of stagnant water where malaria-carrying mosquitoes and other parasites breed.

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Stagnant Water


But there are ways to minimize the risk. First, don’t dispose of water in a low lying area which doesn’t drain naturally. If there’s a stagnant pool near your living space, sweep the water aside. Then in that spot dig a hole at least a meter deep. Re-fill it with sand or gravel, which is porous and allows the water into the soil so a pool doesn’t form there. To help protect you and your family from disease, do what you can to eliminate stagnant water.