Water is life and we are primarily made of water. Water is essential for every function of the human body. But the water you drink can either be beneficial or harmful for your body depending on its quality.

When we look at water quality we refer to its chemical, physical and biological characteristics. Water should be free of pollutants and have a balanced mineral composition. Sadly in todays world people still lack access to clean water resulting in a wide range of health risks.

Contaminants in water can come from numerous sources including agricultural runoff, improper waste disposal, natural sources and industrial activities. Let’s take a look at the most common water contaminants and their associated health risks:

Microbial contaminants in tap water

• Parasites: The most common organisms found in water are cryptosporidium and Giardia, these can lead to adverse effects to the intestine and gut leading to dehydration, diarrhoea and stomach cramps.

• Bacteria: E. coli and Salmonella have been found in water and can cause gastrointestinal illnesses resulting in diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting and in extreme cases also kidney failure.

• Viruses: Pathogens like norovirus, hepatitis A and rotavirus have been found to cause mild gastrointestinal distress causing severe dehydration and diarrhoea as well as severe liver damage.

Is there chemicals in tap water?

Yes, tap water can contain various chemicals, though these are usually present in regulated amounts to ensure safety.

• Fluoride: Small amounts have been found beneficial for teeth and some countries add it to their public water supplies to prevent tooth decay but in excessive amounts it can weaken bones and cause dental and skeletal fluorosis as well as discolouration to teeth.

• Nitrates: Associated with agricultural runoff due to the use of fertilisers in agriculture and has been associated with blue baby syndrome in newborns.

• Chlorine: This disinfectant is commonly used to kill bacteria and viruses in water but at the same time they can produce harmful byproducts. The risk of long term exposure is linked to bladder cancer as well as respiratory problems.

Does tap water contain heavy metals?

These are usually from industrial waste, mining operations or natural sources. They are extremely toxic and can accumulate in the body over time.

• Lead: Older plumbing systems were found to contain traces of Lead which are extremely harmful for children and their development as well as cause neurological damage and learning difficulties.

• Mercury: Mainly found in water near industrial sites and can be extremely harmful causing damage to the nervous system.

• Arsenic: Exposure may result in an increased risk of cancer as well as skin lesions and cardiovascular disease.

How do I know if my water is clean?

• Home Testing Kits: Are easy to use and can test for basic contaminants like chlorine and lead as well as checking that the ph levels are in the approved range of 6.5-8.5 minimising the risk of metal contamination and making sure the water is safe to consume without posing any health risks.

• Water quality reports: Public water in most countries generates annual reports on the water quality and its potential concerns that are of public domain.

• Professional testing: If you rely on well water and suspect contamination it is recommended to have a professional or private well testing to verify possible contaminants.

Ensuring your water is clean and safe

• Filtration system: It's a good idea to install a water filter in your home to avoid contaminants there are different kinds of filtration systems like a reverse osmosis system for heavy metals or a carbon block filter such as the Berkey water filter that remove chemicals, pesticides, bacteria, fluoride, heavy metals, nitrates and parasites whilst leaving all the essential minerals our body needs to function at its best.

• Boiling water: A simple way to kill biological contaminants but it is important to note it will not remove chemical toxins.

• Maintenance: Make sure to replace filters as needed and clean water storage tanks to prevent contamination.

Is bottle water safe?

Some see bottled water as a safer alternative but it is not always the better option as it raises concerns about micro plastics and their environmental impact making it less sustainable than filtered tap water. If you want to drink bottled water make sure to use glass instead of plastic.

Water quality is essential for your overall health. Contaminated water can cause severe health risks whilst clean mineral rich water can significantly enhance your health and wellness. By having a close look at your water quality and taking informed steps to ensure its quality you can reap the benefits of clean healthy water.

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This article is for informational purposes only, even if and regardless of whether it features the advice of physicians and medical practitioners. This article is not, nor is it intended to be, a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and should never be relied upon for specific medical advice. The views expressed in this article are the views of the expert and do not necessarily represent the views of Healf

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