Did you know that more than 2 billion people in the world drink contaminated water every day? This water can cause serious illnesses. If you also drink tap water without checking it, it can be dangerous for your health.
Some water contaminants such as bacteria, pesticides, heavy metals and chemicals can cause many diseases in the body. Drinking contaminated water can cause diarrhoea, stomach problems, skin problems and even serious diseases like cancer.
In this article, you will learn about different types of contaminants present in the water, where they come from and harmful health effects of contaminated water. Also, you will understand how to make your drinking water safe.
What Are Water Contaminants?
Water is essential for life, but when harmful elements get mixed in it, it can be dangerous for health. All such unwanted elements, which pollute water and have a bad effect on health, are called ‘water contaminants’.
There are many types of water contaminants, and some of the most common ones are given below.
Types of Water Contaminants and The Health Effects of Contaminated Water:
1. Biological Contaminants:
Microorganisms in water that can be harmful to health.
Examples: Bacteria (E. coli, Salmonella), Viruses (Hepatitis A, Norovirus), Parasites (Giardia, Cryptosporidium).
Health Effects: Diarrhea, typhoid, cholera, stomach infection, vomiting.
2. Heavy Metals:
Toxic metals that dissolve in water and harm vital organs.
Examples: Lead, arsenic, mercury, and cadmium.
Sources: Industrial waste, old pipelines, mining waste.
Health Effects: Kidney damage, nervous system disorders, cancer risk.
3. Chemical Contaminants:
Chemicals from agriculture and industries that pollute water.
Examples: Pesticides, nitrates, fluoride, chlorine, PFAS.
Sources: Agricultural chemicals, factory waste, water purification chemicals.
Health Effects: Hormonal imbalance, cancer risk, organ damage, dental fluorosis.
4. Physical Contaminants:
Particles that make water dirty and unsafe.
Examples: Sediments, plastic particles, rust, and debris.
Sources: Poor water supply, unfiltered surface water, plastic waste.
Health Effects: Digestive issues, potential toxicity, unknown long-term effects.
5. Radioactive Contaminants:
Radioactive elements that can damage cells and cause severe diseases.
Examples: Radon, uranium, and caesium.
Sources: Underground rocks, nuclear waste, mining.
Health Effects: Cancer risk, DNA damage, weakened immune system.
Major Sources of Water Contamination and Their Health Effects
Do you know where the dirt and harmful elements in water come from? There are several sources of water contamination, including both natural and human activities. When these contaminants mix in water, it is no longer fit for drinking and can cause serious damage to health.
1. Natural Sources
In some cases, water itself becomes contaminated naturally. This is due to elements coming from inside the ground and environmental events.
- Groundwater Pollution: When rainwater goes into the ground, it dissolves many elements from the soil and rocks and carries them with it. If arsenic, fluoride or nitrate dissolves in water in large quantities, it can be dangerous to drink.
- Dissolved Minerals: In some areas, iron, manganese and other minerals are naturally present under the ground, which can spoil the taste and quality of water.
- Volcanic Activity: Gases and ash emitted from volcanoes can get mixed in water sources. This can dissolve sulphur and other toxic elements in water, which are harmful to health.
2. Human Activities
Many human activities are the main cause of water pollution. Industrial, agricultural and domestic waste contaminates water sources in large quantities.
- Industrial Waste: Chemicals, heavy metals (such as lead and mercury) and toxic elements released from factories are dumped into rivers and lakes. This can make the water extremely harmful.
- Agricultural Runoff: Pesticides and fertilizers used in the fields mix with rainwater and reach water sources. This increases the amount of nitrate and phosphate, which can be harmful for health.
- Sewage Discharge: In many places, dirty water and excreta are directly drained into rivers without filtering. Due to this, bacteria, viruses and parasites spread in the water, which can cause diseases like diarrhoea and typhoid.
3. Old Pipelines and Water System
If the water supply and pipeline become old, then it can also cause contamination.
- Lead Pipes: Lead metal was used in the pipelines made in old times. If it dissolves in water, it can cause damage to the brain and nervous system.
- Corroded Plumbing: Pipes rust over time, causing iron and other contaminants to leach into the water.
- Lack of Good Filtration Systems: If the water purification system is not working properly, dirt, bacteria and other contaminants present in the water are not cleaned.
How do you know If the Water is Contaminated?
Do you think the water you drink is completely pure? It may look clean, but invisible contaminants can still harm your health. That’s why checking the bacterial contamination in drinking water is essential. There are simple ways to test water quality and know if it’s safe to drink.
1. Identify Physical Signs:
There are some contaminants in water, whose effect you can feel directly by seeing, smelling or tasting.
Different Taste:
- If the water tastes like metal, then it may be a sign of lead or iron being mixed in it.
- Salty or bitter taste shows the presence of excess fluoride or sulphate.
Strange Smell:
- Bleach-like smell – indicates excess chlorine.
- Rotten egg-like smell – The water may contain Hydrogen Sulfide or bacteria.
- Petrol or chemical-like smell – It may contain industrial waste or pesticide.
Change in Colour:
- Brown or red water – The water may contain rust, iron or manganese.
- Green or blue water – Shows excess copper, which may come from the pipeline.
- Muddy or turbid water – It may contain dirt, sediment or bacteria.
2. How to Test Water Easily at Home?
If you are having any problem in your water, then you can do some simple tests at home.
TDS Meter:
- It measures the amount of Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) present in the water.
- If the TDS level is between 50-150 ppm, then the water is considered safe.
- A level of more than 300 ppm may indicate contaminated water.
Chlorine Test Strips:
- This strip measures the amount of chlorine in the water.
- If there is too much chlorine in the water, then it can be harmful for health.
pH Level Test:
- The pH level of water should be between 6.5 to 8.5.
- Too low pH (acidic water) it can corrode pipes and cause damage to plumbing.
- Too high pH (alkaline water) can cause more dissolved minerals in the water.
Bacteria Test Kit:
- This kit helps to identify bacteria such as E. coli or Salmonella.
3. Laboratory Testing:
If you get any suspicious results in the test done at home, you can get a lab test done to get the water thoroughly checked.
What all is tested?
- Heavy Metals: Lead, Arsenic, Mercury etc.
- Chemical Contaminants: Pesticides, Nitrates, Chlorine.
- Bacteria & Viruses: E. coli, Salmonella, Hepatitis A virus.
Advantages of Lab Testing of Water:
- The exact amount of all contaminants in water is known.
- A doctor or scientist-certified report is available.
- If contaminants are found in water, it becomes easy to select the right filter or purification technology to remove them.
How to Purify Water at Home
It is important to know whether the water you drink is completely safe or not. If there are contaminants present in the water, it can cause serious diseases. But the good news is that contaminated water can be purified using the right water purification system. Here are some of the best ways in which you can make your drinking water clean and safe.
1. Reverse Osmosis (RO) – Best for Heavy Metals and Dissolved Solids
How does it work?
- RO filters have a semi-permeable membrane that removes heavy metals (Lead, Arsenic, Mercury), pesticides, and TDS (Total Dissolved Solids).
- It can filter out 90-99% of the impurities present in the water.
When to use?
- If your water has a TDS level of more than 200.
- If water contains Arsenic, Nitrate, Fluoride and other dissolved contaminants.
2. Ultraviolet (UV) Purification – Best for killing Bacteria and Viruses
How does it work?
- It contains Ultraviolet Rays (UV Rays) which kills bacteria, viruses and parasites.
- No chemicals are added in UV purification, which maintains the taste and quality of water.
When to use?
- If your water has bacteria or virus risk.
- If you want to make your water safe for drinking but don’t want to reduce TDS.
3. Ultrafiltration (UF) – Best for Removing Sediment and Large Contaminants
How does it work?
- It is a membrane-based filter that removes mud, clay, bacteria and large contaminants from water.
- It doesn’t waste water like RO and consumes less electricity.
When to use?
- If your water has low TDS but bacteria and dirt are present.
4. Activated Carbon Filters – Best for Removing Chlorine, Pesticides and Odour
How does it work?
- Carbon filter absorbs chlorine, pesticides, factory chemicals and odour.
- It improves the taste and odour of water.
When to use?
- If your water has high chlorine.
- If the water has a chemical odour or weird taste.
5. Multi-Stage Water Purifiers – Best for Complete Purification
How does it work?
- It is a combination of RO + UV + UF + Activated Carbon, which removes all types of contaminants present in the water.
- It makes the water 100% pure and safe.
When to use?
- If you want a system that removes all types of contaminants.
- If the water in your home is not completely clean and safe.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What are the most harmful contaminants in water?
Answer: Some of the most dangerous contaminants are:
- Heavy Metals: Lead, Arsenic, Mercury.
- Chemical Contaminants: Pesticides, Nitrates, Fluoride.
- Bacteria and Viruses: E. coli, Salmonella, Hepatitis A.
- Radioactive Elements: Radon, Uranium.
All these contaminants can make water dangerous and cause serious illnesses.
2. Does boiling water remove all contaminants?
Answer: No, boiling water only kills bacteria, viruses and some parasites, but it does not remove heavy metals (Lead, Arsenic), pesticides, nitrates and other chemical contaminants. If your water has these contaminants, it is important to use a RO (Reverse Osmosis) or Activated Carbon filter.
3. How often should I test my water?
Answer:
- If you drink tap water, you should get a lab test done at least once a year.
- If you notice a change in the taste, smell or color of your water, get it tested immediately.
- If there is a problem of water pollution in your area, then it is better to get the water tested every 8 months.
- Water quality can also be checked from time to time at home using TDS meter, pH strips and bacteria test kit.
4. Which is the best water purifier for removing heavy metals?
Answer: RO (Reverse Osmosis) water purifier is the best for removing heavy metals like lead, arsenic, mercury and cadmium. It can filter out contaminants up to 90-99%. If you want complete purification, then a multi-stage purifier with RO + UV + UF is the best.
Conclusion
The water you drink directly affects your health. If it contains contaminants, it can cause many serious diseases. In this article, you learned how bacteria, chemicals, heavy metals and radioactive elements can get into water and what effect they have on your body. Therefore, ignoring water purity can be dangerous.
What to do?
✅ Check the quality of your drinking water – get a TDS meter or take it for Lab Test.
✅ If there are contaminants in the water, invest in the right water purifier.
✅ Ensure pure and safe water for your family’s health.