A Few Steps from the Grave: The Hidden Water Safety Risk Facing Some Rural Communities

In many rural communities, the relationship between families and their ancestors is deeply rooted in tradition. The deceased are not simply seen as people who have left; they remain part of the family’s history, identity, and memories. For this reason, some families choose to bury their loved ones within their family compounds or on family-owned land.

This practice carries emotional and cultural significance. It provides families with a sense of connection and allows them to remain close to those they have lost.

However, as communities continue to evolve, some traditional practices require careful reflection, especially when they intersect with public health and environmental safety.

Across some rural communities, including parts of Nkwanta North, there are situations where burial sites are located within residential areas, while household wells used for drinking, cooking, and other domestic activities are situated very close by. In some cases, the distance between a burial site and a water source appears to be only a few steps.

This raises an important environmental health question: Are we doing enough to protect the safety of the water sources that our families depend on?

The Invisible Connection Between Graves and Groundwater

Water from wells often comes from underground sources. Although the water may appear clear, it does not always mean it is free from harmful substances or microorganisms. Contamination can occur beneath the ground without any visible signs.

During the natural process of decomposition, substances are released into the surrounding soil. When burial sites are located too close to water sources, especially in areas with shallow groundwater, certain soil conditions, or poor well protection, there may be a risk of pollutants moving into groundwater.

This does not mean that every household well located near a burial site is automatically unsafe. However, it highlights the importance of proper planning, environmental assessment, and awareness when deciding where burial sites and water sources should be located.

Respecting Culture While Protecting Public Health

Discussing this issue should not be interpreted as an attack on cultural traditions. Culture plays an important role in shaping communities, and the way people honour their dead deserves respect.

However, public health knowledge continues to develop, and communities must find ways to preserve their values while also protecting the wellbeing of current and future generations.

Respecting the dead and protecting the living should not be opposing goals.

A community can honour its ancestors while ensuring that water sources are located and protected in ways that reduce possible health risks.

The Need for Stronger Community Education

One of the major concerns is the limited environmental health education reaching some rural communities.

In the past, community-based officers regularly engaged directly with households, farmers, and local residents, providing education on issues affecting daily life. Today, many important messages remain within offices, while communities that need the information most may not receive enough guidance.

Environmental health education should not only focus on sanitation and waste management. It should also include: safe location and protection of wells, the relationship between land use and water safety, proper burial practices, protection of groundwater resources.

Traditional leaders, environmental health officers, district authorities, and community groups all have important roles to play in starting these conversations.

A Call for Reflection and Action

The purpose of raising this issue is not to blame families or reject cultural practices. It is to encourage communities to examine how certain practices can be improved in light of new knowledge.

Clean water is essential for every household. It supports our health, our food preparation, and our daily lives. Protecting water sources must therefore be a shared responsibility.

The dead deserve dignity, and the living deserve safe water.

As rural communities continue to grow and develop, the conversation about burial practices, groundwater protection, and environmental health must become part of the broader discussion on building healthier communities.

Tradition gives us identity, but knowledge helps us protect the future.

About the author:
Tsekpokumah Richard is an educator, climate advocate, and Founder of Ayeyi Impact Foundation. He writes on education, climate action, leadership, community development, governance, and public policy.