Safe drinking water plays a crucial role in maintaining our overall health and well-being. It is essential for proper hydration, which supports the optimal functioning of our organs, aids digestion, and helps regulate body temperature. Moreover, access to safe water is closely linked to reducing the spread of waterborne diseases and improving public health on a global scale.
They say you can go 30 days without food, but you can only go 3 days without water. The human body is 75% water which makes it the most essential part of survival. Unfortunately, in tough spots the water available might not be safe to drink as it can carry deadly bacteria and disease. So what do you do if you are not sure if the water you have access to is safe? Well there are a few options.
Table of Contents
- Understanding Water Contaminants: Safeguarding Your Health and Well-being
- Boiling
- Chlorine Tablets
- Filters
- Go to the source, be aware
Understanding Water Contaminants: Safeguarding Your Health and Well-being
Water is a precious resource that sustains life, but it can also harbor various contaminants that pose significant health risks. In this blog post, we will delve into the world of water contaminants, exploring their types, sources, causes, and the potential health hazards associated with consuming contaminated water. By understanding these factors, we can take informed steps to protect ourselves and ensure the safety of the water we drink.
Common Waterborne Contaminants
Water contaminants can take many forms, ranging from chemical substances to microbial pathogens. Common waterborne contaminants include bacteria, viruses, parasites, heavy metals (such as lead and mercury), pesticides, industrial chemicals, and even pharmaceutical residues. Each type of contaminant presents unique challenges and requires specific methods for effective removal or treatment.
Sources and Causes of Water Contamination
Water contamination can originate from various sources and result from different causes. Agricultural activities, industrial discharges, improper waste disposal, sewage leaks, and natural processes like erosion and groundwater seepage can introduce contaminants into our water sources. Additionally, aging infrastructure, such as old pipes and storage tanks, can contribute to the presence of harmful substances in our tap water.
Health Risks Associated with Contaminated Water
Consuming contaminated water can have severe health consequences. Waterborne diseases, such as cholera, dysentery, typhoid fever, and hepatitis, can spread through microbial contaminants, causing gastrointestinal issues, fever, and, in some cases, life-threatening conditions. Exposure to chemical contaminants, such as lead, arsenic, or pesticides, can lead to long-term health effects, including neurological disorders, developmental issues, and an increased risk of certain cancers.
Boiling
Boiling water is a traditional and reliable method for water purification. It is simple, accessible, and can eliminate many types of microbial contaminants. To effectively boil water, follow these steps:
- Fill a clean pot or kettle with water.
- Heat the water until it reaches a rolling boil.
- Maintain a vigorous boil for at least one minute (or three minutes at higher altitudes).
- Allow the water to cool before consuming or storing it in a clean, covered container.
While boiling water is highly effective at killing harmful microorganisms, it has some drawbacks. Boiling requires a heat source, time, and energy, making it less convenient in certain situations. Additionally, boiling does not remove chemical contaminants or suspended particles from the water.
Chlorine Tablets
Chlorine tablets are a common water disinfectant that can treat up to 50,000 litres of water and kill the majority of bacteria and viruses in the water. These water purification pills can be used to disinfect water for washing and cleaning produce as well as for treating drinking water.
One of the widely used processes for sanitising and removing impurities from water to make it potable is chlorination. Chlorine tablets are very effective for the quick, affordable, and low-cost purification of drinking water under the various protected water supply programmes in rural regions. The simplest approach for cleaning and disinfecting water is this.
If you have them available they will kill bacteria and virus, but they do not kill all parasites. They are very handy and easy to use, you just drop the table into the water and wait. In about 30 minutes, the water is safe to drink.
Filters
Water filters function by physically straining out bacteria and protozoan cysts including Cryptosporidium, Giardia lamblia, Salmonella, Campylobacter, and Shigella. Every filter and many purifiers have an internal element or cartridge—a part with tiny pores that collects dirt, protozoa, and bacteria—in their design. Strain matter clogs an element’s pores over time, necessitating cleaning and eventually replacement.
In order to destroy viruses, which are typically too tiny for most filter components, most purifiers use chemicals (like iodine). Instead, a different purification technique uses UV radiation to kill the germs.
Because activated carbon is good at eliminating bad tastes from substances like leaf tannins, many filters and purifiers also incorporate it in their constituents. Pesticides and other industrial chemicals are reduced by activated carbon.
I like filters when camping as they are lightweight, quick and effective. Personally I still like to boil the water or use chlorine tablets in conjunction with my filter.
Go to the source, be aware
If you have nothing with you try to go to the highest point or source of the water as you are more likely to get cleaner water. Be aware of your surroundings and see if wild life are using the stream or close by.
Be safe!
