Water is an essential element of life, and having access to clean and safe water is fundamental for ensuring good health. However, waterborne diseases are a global public health concern, and millions worldwide die from contaminated water yearly.
Waterborne diseases can easily spread through water sources such as lakes, rivers, and wells. Let’s discuss the most common causes of waterborne diseases and how to prevent them.
Bacteria
Some of the most common waterborne diseases are from bacteria such as E. coli, Salmonella, and Vibrio cholerae. These bacteria can contaminate water sources and cause diseases such as cholera, typhoid fever, and dysentery. These diseases cause symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting, fever, and dehydration. Proper sanitation and hygiene, including regular handwashing and maintaining cleanliness in the kitchen and bathroom, can help prevent the spread of bacterial infections.
Parasites
Parasites such as Giardia and Cryptosporidium can also cause waterborne diseases and infect humans when they drink contaminated water. These parasites can cause diarrhea, stomach cramps, fever, and other gastrointestinal symptoms. Drinking clean and treated water, boiling water before use, and avoiding swimming in contaminated water sources can prevent parasitic infections.
Viruses
Waterborne viruses are particles that move from one host to another through water sources. Viruses like Hepatitis A, Norovirus, and Rotavirus are common in contaminated water. Vaccinations, good sanitation, and hygiene can help prevent waterborne viral infections.
Chemicals
Chemicals such as pesticides, industrial chemicals, and other toxins can contaminate natural water sources and cause severe health problems. These chemicals can cause cancer, neurological disorders, and reproductive and developmental problems. Proper waste disposal and monitoring industries that release toxins in water sources can help prevent chemical contamination.
Algal blooms
Algal blooms can occur when nutrients, such as phosphorus, enter water sources and cause excessive growth of cyanobacteria. These bacteria can release toxins harmful to humans, animals, and the environment. Prevention of algal blooms includes reducing nutrient inputs from urban and agricultural areas and monitoring water quality regularly.
Waterborne diseases are a significant public health concern worldwide. The contamination causes vary from bacteria, parasites, viruses, and chemicals to algal blooms. Proper sanitation, hygiene, and drinking clean water can help reduce the risk of infection.
Monitoring water sources, implementing effective water treatment, disposing of waste properly, and reducing nutrient inputs from urban and agricultural areas can help prevent water contamination. It’s high time humans took effective steps to preserve natural water sources and ensure access to clean and safe water for all.
Fletcher’s Plumbing & Contracting offers Northern California plumbing services to provide safe and clean water for your family. Our services include plumbing installation, repair, and maintenance to protect your home’s water supply from contamination. Fletcher’s also specializes in non-electric water treatment systems as an authorized Kinetico dealer.
Fight hard water, chlorine, bacteria, and more with the advanced technology of Kinetico water softening products. Contact us today for a free quote for plumbing services or to learn more about our water-softening systems!