What Should You Know About Drinking Contaminated Water? Health Risks Alert!

Published 13:01 IST, January 25th 2025 Take proactive steps to purify your water and protect yourself and your loved ones from waterborne illnesses. Not all tap water is clean and drinkable, and not all bottled water is safe for consumption. However, there are times when we inadvertently drink water contaminated by pollutants, flies, feces, rainfall, or other impurities.

While it may seem harmless to consume expired bottled water or contaminated water in general, are you sure it is still safe and healthy? When it comes to health, it is always better to be cautious. The saying “prevention is better than cure” has never been more relevant than it is today. How can someone come into contact with contaminated water? Contaminated water can affect you in various ways.



You may encounter it during drinking, cooking, washing, or cleaning the house with dirty water. Activities such as wading or swimming in polluted water can also expose you to harmful contaminants. What happens when you drink contaminated water? Drinking contaminated water can lead to several health issues, including stomach pain, diarrhea, and vomiting.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns that illnesses caused by contaminated water can ruin your health and even disrupt your travels. Drinking unclean water can result in severe stomach ailments that require immediate attention. How to purify contaminated water to avoid waterborne illnesses? If clean drinking water is not readily available, there are ways to purify contaminated water to make it safe for consumption: Filtration: Use water filters designed to remove impurities and contaminants.

Disinfection: Add chlorine or iodine tablets to disinfect water and kill harmful pathogens. Boiling: Boil water for at least one minute to kill bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms. UV Light: Use UV purifiers to eliminate pathogens and make water safe for drinking.

Solar Purification: Place water in clear, sealed bottles under direct sunlight for several hours to reduce bacterial contamination. Ensuring access to clean and safe water is essential for good health. Take proactive steps to purify your water and protect yourself and your loved ones from waterborne illnesses.

Updated 13:01 IST, January 25th 2025.