Regardless of whether you live in a developed country or not, no one is completely protected from the problems related to water with potentially poor quality. That’s why you need to be aware of the top 5 issues associated with bad water quality.
Drinking unclean or contaminated water is a big no-no since that can make you sick. Sure, it might not be a life-threatening condition, but it’s worth mentioning that bad water quality-related issues might range from insignificant to very significant.
Thus, being properly informed about the most profound health concerns that stem from impure water is crucial so that you can avoid any health risks if you have doubts about the water quality.
1. Bacteria
Bacteria is everywhere around us and it’s virtually impossible to be 100% certain that the running water in your home or elsewhere is totally bacteria-free.
Warm temperatures are an ideal breeding ground (not literally of course) for bacteria of all kinds. You have to be especially cautious about water in uncontrolled streams, creeks etc. because these can be contaminated by a lot of things, including dead animals.
There’s a plethora of bacterial infections and bacteria-related diseases and you can basically get sick in many different ways. From mild stomach discomfort to pretty unpleasant diseases like salmonella, you’re definitely playing with fire every time you decide to drink unclean water.
2. Flouride
Flouride is a mineral, the synthetic form of which is widely used in tap water throughout the world. The chances are that the running water you have at home is packed with flouride and while it can help prevent tooth decay, it still has its cons.
You see, this chemical is being artificially added to tap water because it’s supposedly good for your teeth and bones. However, while that sounds great on paper, in reality, the water that we’re drinking isn’t always regulated as closely as we’d like, meaning that we might be getting more flouride than we actually need.
In fact, too much of anything can be harmful and flouride is no exception. If you overdose with this mineral, it could make your bones and teeth weaker and actually damage them. Besides, it can also upset your intestines.
3. Lead
Lead is a big problem even today, especially in older households or neighborhoods with ancient canal systems. Living in an old house might be very comfy and cozy, but keep in mind that your home most likely has lead pipes.
Needless to say, this puts you and your health at risk. The more you consume lead-contaminated water, the more it builds up in your body, leading to things such as nausea and headaches, or even worse – high blood pressure.
Living in a modern home certainly helps, although you can be never 100% sure that the pipes aren’t made of lead.
4. Arsenic
Arsenic is basically a poison that can cause serious damage. This substance shouldn’t be a part of your tap water as water supplies that are contaminated with Arsenic are treated accordingly. But it can find its way into water through certain agricultural practices that involve heavy chemicals.
This nasty poison can cause cramping and bloating in small quantities, but in larger amounts, it can seriously hurt you and even cause organ failure. Even if you don’t drink it, direct contact with Arsenic may cause lesions to form on your skin.
5. Pesticides
Pesticides are mainly used in agriculture and it’s not uncommon to find pesticide-polluted water supplies. Anything from farms to the grass in your favorite park might be sprayed with pesticides. It’s no wonder that these chemicals often find their way into groundwater, through the soil.
Some foods, especially veggies and fruits, are often sprayed with pesticides as well. However, the biggest concern is that such chemicals are often sprinkled over many acres of land.
Water contaminated with pesticides is a serious thing as they can lead to problems with the digestive system and skin allergies. If consumed in large quantities, things can get pretty nasty as pesticide chemicals can disrupt your central nervous system and even lead to death.
Conclusion
Bad water quality is not to be taken lightly as it can lead to a myriad of unpleasant health conditions. There are lots of diseases related to contaminated drinking water, but the five mentioned above are arguably the nastiest ones.
We’d love to know what you think about the main problems of poor water quality. You share your opinion in the comment section below!