How to Prevent Diseases from Contaminated Water

Water is a basic necessity of life. However, contaminated water can be hazardous for our health. Drinking contaminated water can cause numerous health problems, including gastroenteritis, cholera, typhoid, hepatitis A, and many others. Therefore, it is crucial to take necessary steps to prevent these diseases and ensure that we have clean and safe drinking water at all times.

What is Contaminated Water?

Contaminated water is any water that contains harmful substances, such as chemicals or microorganisms, in an amount that can cause harm to human health. This can be through various sources such as industrial effluents, sewage, and chemicals from agriculture. The most common contaminants found in water include bacteria, viruses, and parasites.

Types of Contaminants Found in Water

• Biological Contaminants – These include bacteria, viruses, and parasites that are present in water sources contaminated with sewage, animal feces, or human waste.
• Chemical Contaminants – These include chemicals such as lead, arsenic, and pesticides that leach into water from industrial wastes or agricultural runoffs.
• Physical Contaminants – These include sediments, suspended solids, and other materials, such as plastics and microplastics, that can cause blockages in pipes and other water infrastructure.

How Can Water Get Contaminated?

The sources of water contamination can vary from natural to human-made. Some common ways in which water gets contaminated are:

• Industrial Wastes – Industrial processes release harmful chemicals and heavy metals into the water sources
• Agriculture Runoff – Pesticides, fertilizer chemicals, and animal manure are released into waterways, contaminating the water
• Sewage and Human Waste – Sewage and wastewater can seep into the groundwater

How to Prevent Diseases from Contaminated Water?

Preventing water contamination is crucial. Here are some steps to prevent diseases from contaminated water:

Boil the Water

Boiling the water is a simple yet effective method to kill harmful bacteria and other microorganisms present in the water. It kills most of the bacteria present in the water, making it safe to drink. Always boil water before drinking or cooking with it. Allow it to cool before consuming.

Use a Water Filter

Using water filters is a popular and effective method to remove contaminants from the water. These filters come in various types such as activated carbon filters, reverse osmosis filters, and ultraviolet radiation filters. Install a water filter system in your home to get access to safe and clean drinking water.

Use Chlorine

Chlorine is a powerful disinfectant that kills most of the bacteria and viruses present in the water. Adding chlorine to water can be an effective way to purify it. Use the appropriate amount of chlorine to treat your water. Too much or too little chlorine may not kill all the bacteria present in the water.

Avoid Polluting Water Sources

Avoid polluting water sources such as rivers, lakes, and reservoirs. Dispose of waste properly and do not throw trash in the water. Avoid using excessive pesticides and fertilizers in your gardens as these chemicals can seep into the groundwater, contaminating it.

Test Water Regularly

Periodically test your water to ensure that it is free from contaminants. Testing the water helps to identify the presence of harmful substances, and necessary action can be taken to remove them.

Diseases Caused by Contaminated Water

Cholera

Cholera is caused by the Vibrio cholerae bacterium. The bacteria release toxins that cause severe diarrhea and dehydration. The primary cause of cholera is drinking water contaminated with fecal matter containing the Vibrio cholerae bacterium. Maintaining proper sanitation and drinking clean water can help prevent cholera.

Gastroenteritis

Gastroenteritis is caused by bacteria such as Salmonella, Campylobacter, and E. coli. These bacteria enter the gastrointestinal tract and cause diarrhea, vomiting, and stomach cramps. Drinking contaminated water or eating contaminated food can cause gastroenteritis.

Typhoid Fever

Typhoid fever is caused by Salmonella typhi that spreads through contaminated food and water. The symptoms of typhoid fever are high fever, severe headache, pain in the abdomen, and loss of appetite. Typhoid fever can be prevented by maintaining proper hygiene and drinking clean water.

Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A is a viral infection that can cause inflammation of the liver. It spreads through contaminated water and food. Symptoms of hepatitis A include fatigue, nausea, and jaundice. Vaccination and maintaining hygiene can help prevent Hepatitis A.

Conclusion

Drinking contaminated water can cause severe health problems. It is essential to take the necessary steps to prevent diseases from contaminated water. Boiling water, using filters, avoiding pollution, testing regularly, and maintaining hygiene are the primary steps to ensure safe and clean drinking water. Be vigilant about the water sources you consume and take action to prevent diseases caused by contaminated water. By doing so, you can ensure that you and your family remain healthy and safe.

FAQ

What is Contaminated Water?

Contaminated water is any water that contains harmful substances, such as chemicals or microorganisms, in an amount that can cause harm to human health. This can be through various sources such as industrial effluents, sewage, and chemicals from agriculture. The most common contaminants found in water include bacteria, viruses, and parasites.

What are the types of Contaminants found in Water?

The types of contaminants found in water are biological contaminants, chemical contaminants, and physical contaminants. Biological contaminants include bacteria, viruses, and parasites that are present in water sources contaminated with sewage, animal feces, or human waste. Chemical contaminants include chemicals such as lead, arsenic, and pesticides that leach into water from industrial wastes or agricultural runoffs. Physical contaminants include sediments, suspended solids, and other materials, such as plastics and microplastics, that can cause blockages in pipes and other water infrastructure.

How Can You Treat Contaminated Water?

Boiling water, using filters, and adding chlorine are common methods of treating contaminated water. Boiling the water kills most of the bacteria and other microorganisms present in it. Using filters is an effective method to remove contaminants from the water. Adding chlorine to water can be an effective way to purify it.

How Can You Prevent Water Contamination?

Several measures can be taken to prevent water contamination. Avoid polluting water sources such as rivers, lakes, and reservoirs. Dispose of waste properly and do not throw trash in the water. Avoid using excessive pesticides and fertilizers in your gardens as these chemicals can seep into the groundwater, contaminating it. Test water regularly to ensure that it is free from contaminants.

What are the Diseases Caused by Contaminated Water?

Drinking contaminated water can cause numerous health problems, including gastroenteritis, cholera, typhoid, hepatitis A, and many others. These diseases are caused by bacteria, viruses, and parasites that are present in the contaminated water. Maintaining proper sanitation and drinking clean water can help prevent these diseases.

Disease	Caused by	Symptoms	Prevention
Cholera	Vibrio cholerae bacterium	Severe diarrhea and dehydration	Drink clean water and maintain proper sanitation
Gastroenteritis	Salmonella, Campylobacter, and E. coli bacteria	Diarrhea, vomiting, and stomach cramps	Drink clean water and avoid contaminated food
Typhoid Fever	Salmonella typhi	High fever, severe headache, pain in the abdomen, and loss of appetite	Drink clean water and maintain proper hygiene
Hepatitis A	Viral Infection	Fatigue, nausea, and jaundice	Vaccination and maintain hygiene