Contaminated water a health hazard

These days there are many reports about how we are not getting clean water to drink, especially those who cannot afford bottled water and have to rely on other sources. A few filtration plants do cater to the needs of residents living close by one but they are not enough.

We've been told to avoid drinking dirty and/or contaminated water but how well informed is the public about the consequences of doing so? Water contamination can occur in all sources - city water supplies, well water supplies and fresh water sources such as lakes, streams and rivers.

According to information available, bacteria or chemicals, such as nitrates can contaminate the water. When a test shows the presence of bacteria, it is considered to be unsafe to drink. Coliform organisms, a group of bacteria found in the environment, are an indicator of the safety of your water. If present, it indicates that disease-causing organisms, including bacteria, viruses and parasites, could potentially be present in your water supply.

In addition, if any amount of E.coli bacteria is found in a water sample it is known that human sewage or animal faeces have contaminated the water supply. The presence of nitrates in well water is usually the result of farming activities like fertilizing. Consequently, if nitrates are at levels above 10 milligrams per litre of water, an infant may suffer from a condition known as 'blue baby syndrome' - caused by nitrates interfering with the blood's ability to carry oxygen throughout the body.

When drinking contaminated water, the health effects people experience may or may not be felt immediately. In addition, the overall health, age and physical condition of the persona are other factors which determine the extent of what is experienced. Some of the more common problems experienced from drinking impure water include, but are not limited to: gastrointestinal problems; diarrhoea; nausea; intestinal or stomach cramping and aches and pains; dehydration and death.

However, if no signs or symptoms are experienced, it does not mean that there are no potential long-term effects. In fact, if water sources have been contaminated with radium or radon gas, it is likely that you will not notice immediate health problems. Contaminants can enter water supplies through various means, including being absorbed into the ground and contaminated ground water sources, broken pipes and excess run-off during heavy rain. There are instances where the water could smell or taste different but in most cases, contaminants have no taste or odour, leaving no indication of contamination. Boiling water does kill most types of parasites, bacteria and viruses but it can cause increased concentrations of other contaminants due to evaporation.

The best way to test if your water is safe and free from bacteria is to get it tested, if possible, by an experienced water purification company - if they exist. The results will let you know exactly what is in your water and what steps you can take to improve it. Unfortunately, the general public will have to rely on the government to do something.