Sick Again? Your Tap Water Could Be The Culprit

Sick Again? Your Tap Water Could Be The Culprit

Robin Collins |

Have you found yourself feeling unhealthy and discomfort even when the weather is good? In such scenarios, we often attribute our ailments to workload and the food we eat on a daily basis. However, we often neglect the importance of tap water.

Beneath its crystal clear surface lies a complex mix of hazardous contaminants and impurities that can be anonymously causing serious damage to your overall health.

In this Frizzlife blog, we are going to discuss almost every bit of detail that you need to know about tap water’s role in making people sick.

Also, read our blog post about Which Water is Good to Drink? Cold or Warm?

Some Common Contaminants Found in Tap Water

Although, there is a long list of toxic impurities found in tap water globally, but here will be discussed the ones present in US citizen's water.

· E-coli

· Giardia

· Cryptosporidium

· Pathogens

And many more.

Continuous exposure to these can result in numerous health issues which we will be discussing later on in this article.

Health Impacts of Common Contaminants in Tap Water

Now, let’s discuss what these common contaminants can do:

1. E-Coli:

E-Coli normally found in untreated and poorly managed water systems. It can cause serious stomach problems such as diarrhea, nausea, and cramps. Older people, young children, and those who are not healthy in terms of immune system are at greater risk.

Drinking water with even a small amount of E-Coli can cause severe dehydration and you may require a hospital visit if not treated.

2. Giardia and Cryptosporidium:

Giardia and Cryptosporidium are tiny parasites that can make you sick with serious stomach problems. They usually get into the water from human or animal waste. Even a small amount of these parasites in the water can cause serious health symptoms such as vomiting, stomach pain, and diarrhea that can last for multiple weeks or a month.

3. Pathogens:

Pathogens are germs (Bacteria & Viruses) usually found in tap water that can cause illness. They can make you feel like you have a flu or cause serious infections. For example, Legionella bacteria in water can cause lung function known as Legionnaires disease.

These germs can commonly spread through contaminated water, making it unsafe to drink or use for cooking. Protecting yourself from pathogens is essential to prevent health problems ranging from milk illness to severe conditions.

How to Treat Tap Water to Prevent Sickness?

Tap water can sometimes contain harmful bacteria, viruses, and chemicals, that can make you sick. To make tap water safe for drinking, you can simply treat it by using common methods at home.

Here are four simple ways to treat tap water to prevent sickness:

1. Boiling:

Boiling is one of the easiest and simplest ways to treat tap water. When you bring water to a rolling boil for at least one minute to 3-minutes, it kills bacteria, viruses, and other harmful micro-organisms.

Simply let the boiling water cool before drinking or cooking. This method does not remove chemicals, but it is effective in removing harmful germs from tap water.

2. Using Water Purification Tablets or Drops:

Water purification tablets and drops are often made from chlorine, iodine, and other chemicals which are a portable and easy solution. Simply add the recommended amount of water purification tablets or drops to your tap water, mix well, and let it sit for approximately 30 minutes.

These tablets or drops kill bacteria and viruses, making tap water safe to drink. However, they may leave a less chemical taste in the water.

3. Filtration:

Using a water filter is also the best way to remove harmful impurities and germs from tap water. To remove contaminants from tap water, you can use pitcher filters, countertop filters, etc.

High-quality filters such as under-sink systems can also remove bacteria, sediments, chlorine, and heavy metals such as lead and mercury. Always choose a water filter that best matches your needs and maintain it regularly to make sure it works properly.

4. UV Water Purifiers:

UV water purifiers are modern devices that use ultraviolet light to remove harmful germs in tap water. Simply place the device in the tap water or pour water into the purifier. It effectively removes bacteria, viruses, and protozoa without adding chemicals or affecting the taste of water. This method works well for clear water, but it is less effective if the tap water is cloudy or contains some sediments.

By following these four simple methods, you can make sure that your tap water is safe to drink and prevent waterborne illness. It is recommended always to choose the method that best suits your needs.  

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I tell if my tap water is safe or not?

There are multiple common signs that can help you determine whether tap water is safe to drink or not.

· Unusual color

· Bad taste and odor

If you still have doubts, then it is recommended that you test your tap water sample at a certified laboratory.

How to elevate tap water quality?

Although, there are several methods available, the most effective one is treating it using a specialized water filter like an RO system. It is highly effective at removing numerous dangerous impurities with maximum accuracy.

Is bottled water a safe alternative to tap water?

Yeah! It is usually considered a safer alternative to tap water, but it will definitely cause financial problems for people with tight budgets.

Conclusion:

Tap water is essential for everyday use, but it can sometimes contain harmful germs, viruses, and other harmful impurities or contaminants that can make you sick. By using simple treatment methods such as boiling, purification tablets, filtration, and UV water purifiers, you can ensure that the water you drink and use is safe.

It is also important to regularly monitor your tap water quality and choose the most suitable treatment method for your needs. Taking these precautions will not only protect your overall health but also prevent sickness caused by unsafe tap water.