By Abdullahi Lukman
The Lagos State Government has announced stricter regulation of water production and distribution to improve water security and curb unsafe practices that threaten public health and the environment.
The Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Water Regulatory Commission (LASWARCO), Oluwabukola Adeyemo, disclosed this at a one-day community sensitisation and stakeholder engagement on water services held in Epe.
She warned that the use of untreated water, indiscriminate borehole drilling and poor hygiene practices were increasing the risk of waterborne diseases in the state.
Adeyemo said the engagement was designed to promote collaboration among stakeholders and strengthen compliance across the water value chain, noting that effective regulation had become critical in a rapidly expanding megacity like Lagos.
She explained that although Lagos is surrounded by water, many available sources are unsafe for consumption without proper treatment due to salinity, contamination and heavy metals.
According to her, the growing dependence on poorly located boreholes has further heightened public health risks.
“The appearance of water does not determine its safety. Poor treatment and handling expose residents to diseases such as cholera, typhoid fever and diarrhoea,” she said, adding that access to safe water would reduce pressure on the state’s overstretched healthcare system.
She noted that Lagos requires an estimated 135 litres of water per person daily.
Adeyemo also highlighted the environmental dangers of unregulated groundwater extraction, including land subsidence, flooding and damage to roads, buildings and aquifers.
She said LASWARCO regulates borehole drillers, sachet and bottled water producers, tanker operators and other service providers to protect public health, urging operators to see compliance as a responsibility.
She further revealed that the state government, through the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, is expanding access to pipe-borne water by rehabilitating and expanding waterworks across the state.
Ongoing projects include the commissioning of Akilo Water Works in Ogba, the rehabilitation of Adiyan Phase 1, the near completion of Adiyan Phase 2 and planned upgrades of Epe water facilities.
Adeyemo urged collective effort, ethical practices and strong partnerships between government and stakeholders to ensure safe and sustainable water supply.
