There could be many reasons for water contamination. It can be caused due to many reasons like poor regulation in the water supply, pollutants being dumped in freshwater sources like streams, rivers, lakes, – and more.
Clean drinking water is a basic human right. But you will be surprised to know that many people still do not have access to it. You do not have to look across seas to find such people. Many of them live in the US and other developed countries.
In an infamous incidence of water contamination in North Carolina, marines, their families, and employees at Camp Lejeune bathed and drank water that was 240 – 3400 times more polluted than normally found water. The victims and their families are now getting their payout for Camp Lejeune Lawsuit. The water was found to have over 70 harmful toxic and poisonous elements.
The most crucial threat of toxic water is that it does not always look brown, black, red, or yellow in color. It can appear to be clean and still carry life-threatening elements which can cause diseases like:
Amoebiasis [Traveler’s diarrhea]
If you enjoy traveling, you’ve probably heard of a widespread waterborne illness that strikes millions of tourists each year. Traveler’s diarrhea is sometimes termed Aztec Two-Step or Montezuma’s Revenge.Â
Although it might arise at any point throughout the trip, this illness typically manifests itself within the first week of travel. It may even appear after getting back home. Bacterial enteropathogens, notably the amoeba protozoa, are responsible for 80% of cases of traveler’s diarrhea.Â
Along with the liver, the large intestine is typically infected. Diarrhea with mucus and blood, whether slight or severe, is one of the signs of amoebiasis. Fly presence, poor hygiene, and use of contaminated water are the main ways that the virus is disseminated.
Typhoid
Acute intestinal ulceration and infection are the hallmarks of the potentially fatal bacterial illness typhoid. This terrible ailment is caused by a bacterium known as Salmonella Typhi. The most common way for it to spread is when individuals drink contaminated water or eat food that has been washed with it. Due to the fear of contaminated water, 59 million US citizens avoid drinking tap water.
The infection is more frequently referred to as salmonella poisoning or food poisoning. Typhoid patients can spread dangerous bacteria to their bloodstream and digestive system.
Typhoid is characterized by persistent fevers that can reach 103 to 104 degrees Fahrenheit, as well as weakness, headache, nausea, lack of appetite, red or itchy skin, rashes, muscular aches, and sweating.
Cholera
The small intestine is the main organ of cholera infection. The Vibrio Chloerae bacteria is the culprit behind this illness. Consuming water that has traces of excrement in it can spread the virus. The residential water supply may be impacted when untreated water passes through sewage in streams. Up to 4 million people are affected by this disease every year.
Dehydration, nausea, vomiting (lasting up to an hour in extreme instances), copious diarrhea, stomach cramps, and headaches are among the symptoms of cholera that people may encounter. In certain rare instances, cholera can be fatal if it is not properly or promptly treated.
Diarrhea
Diarrhea is one of the most common problems linked to drinking toxic water. Consuming water infected with microorganisms from animal, chemical, or human waste, causes food poisoning or intestinal infections. Activated charcoal can be an effective natural remedy for easing food poisoning symptoms such as stomach upset, bloating, and diarrhea. It is important to talk to a healthcare professional to find out the correct dose of activated charcoal for food poisoning.
The majority of the time, waterborne bacteria, viruses, and protozoans are to blame for their occurrence. The disorder often causes young children and babies to have loose, watery feces, which can lead to dehydration (loss of electrolytes) and can lead up to the biggest issues if not treated promptly.
Dysentery
Another common waterborne illness is dysentery. It is characterized by very bad diarrhea with mucus and in some serious conditions, blood in the stools. It mostly impacts the intestines and is spread by improper hygiene and toxic water.
Typical symptoms of dysentery include diarrhea, fever, nausea, dehydration, stomach cramps, and discomfort, among others.
It is shocking to know that more than 30 million Americans live in areas where water systems violate safety guidelines.
In the event of any biological contamination, boiling the water renders it safe to drink. Bring a batch of water to a few boils for a few minutes to eliminate germs and other organisms.
When a person doesn’t have access to clean, treated water, boiling is the most effective way to purify the water. When water hits its boiling point of 212 F, many species cannot live. In fact, no microorganism in the water will live for more than 30 minutes if the temperature is above 160 F.
One should be aware of the various health issues related to drinking polluted or filthy water. There are several ways to contaminate water, all of which are deadly. You secure not only your own but also other people’s safety against water pollution by following the above-mentioned methods. Spread the message to protect yourself and others from the hazards of contaminated water.
