sanitation

Everyday

The systems that keep places clean and healthy, especially clean water supply, toilets, drains and taking away sewage and rubbish. tree →

In the lessons

In history and science lessons good sanitation stopped diseases like cholera spreading in old cities. In geography it is a key need in developing countries. In everyday life the sanitation department collects rubbish (US «sanitation workers»). Linked to hygiene and handwashing.

Examples

• Good sanitation saves millions of lives. tree →
• Many villages still lack clean water and sanitation. tree →
• In old cities, poor sanitation spread disease. tree →
• Sanitation workers collect the rubbish every week. tree →
• The charity builds toilets to improve sanitation. tree →
• Washing hands is part of good sanitation and hygiene. tree →

Note

Uncountable. Related: sanitary, sanitiser (hand gel), sanitise. «Sanitation» is about whole systems; «hygiene» is about keeping yourself clean.