Drinking polluted water can have a direct and serious impact on our health, but it can also insidiously affect us in the long term.
Understanding water pollution
Since the emergence of the first industries following human settlement, our planet's water has suffered localized pollution. Even today, the situation persists and is even getting worse.
The major causes of this pollution are diverse. In particular, industrial discharges introduce chemicals, hydrocarbons, metals, or even water used to cool factories into the water. These pollutants have significant negative impacts, both for aquatic species and for the quality of their habitats.
Moreover, beyond the environmental challenges, this situation poses serious health problems. The pathologies linked to chemical pollution of water depend on various factors, such as the type of pollutant, the exposure dose, and the duration of exposure.
It is therefore crucial to change our relationship with water, to rethink our management policies, and to adopt simple daily actions to improve the quality of this resource that is essential to life. Because we must have one goal in mind: to achieve global coverage of basic drinking water services by 2030. An immense challenge, which will undoubtedly require a radical change in mentality in the face of this problem.
Uncovering the hidden risks of polluted water to our health
When you think of polluted water, you might picture water that looks cloudy, smells bad, and tastes unpleasant. However, many pollutants are invisible to the naked eye and do not alter the taste or odor of the water; this is where the real danger lies. These contaminants can cause a myriad of health problems, both short-term and long-term.
In the short term, excessive ingestion of water contaminated with toxic materials can cause serious illnesses and infections, such as diarrhea or cholera. In fact, microbial contamination of drinking water due to fecal matter is the greatest risk to the safety of our water. This underscores the importance of properly treating and purifying our water before consuming it.
In the long term, regular consumption of polluted water can cause or contribute to chronic diseases, reproductive imbalances, or disruptions in normal organ function. The risks can be more insidious because they will often appear after many years of repeated consumption of this water, making identifying the source of the problem all the more difficult. For example, the presence of arsenic, fluoride or nitrate in drinking water presents a significant chemical hazard. Other contaminants such as pharmaceuticals, pesticides, PFAS and microplastics can also pose a significant risk to our health.
Protecting our health: simple techniques to purify water at home
Ensuring clean and healthy water in your home is essential. Here are some simple and effective techniques you can implement to purify your water.
Using Water Filters: Water filters are effective at removing a variety of contaminants from water, including bacteria and some viruses. There are a variety of filters available on the market, from everyday water filter pitchers to more complex systems that install directly on your faucets. Be sure to look for and purchase filters that are certified and tested to ensure their effectiveness.
Boiling Water: Boiling water is one of the oldest and most effective methods of purifying it. It is a valuable technique, especially when there is a water pollution alert in your area. Boiling kills most of the microbes and bacteria present in the water, making it safe to drink.
Use of water treatment products: According to the World Health Organization (WHO), water treatment products can be effective in removing some contaminants. However, it is advisable to use these products only as a last resort, as they can also affect water quality.
