Dirty or contaminated water can be extremely harmful to our health, carrying germs, chemicals, and other toxic substances. Drinking such water can make us sick and lead to serious diseases such as diarrhea, cholera, and many more.
Drinking filtered water is not just a luxury, it is a basic need for survival. Unfortunately, several individuals around the world still do not have proper access to clean water. This is why a proper understanding of contaminated water is important.
In this Frizzlife blog post, we will cover why contaminated water is dangerous and what we can do to treat it. So, without any delay, let’s fire away!
Also, read our blog post Best Faucet Filter in 2025
Reasons Humans Can't Drink Polluted Water
Here are four different reasons humans can’t drink polluted water.
1. Causes Serious Issues:
Contaminated water is filled with harmful germs such as bacteria, viruses, and parasites. When humans drink contaminated water, these germs can enter the human body and cause serious diseases. Common diseases from contaminated water include diarrhea, cholera, typhoid, and dysentery.
These diseases can make a person very weak and in severe cases, even lead to death. Children and older people are especially at risk because their immune systems aren’t strong enough to fight against these harmful germs.
Drinking safe and clean water is the only way to avoid these serious health issues and stay healthy. Overall, contaminated water is simply too dangerous to consume.
2. Contains Harmful Chemicals:
Contaminated water also has dangerous chemicals such as pesticides, fertilizers, and industrial waste. These chemicals can badly harm our bodies if we drink such water. For example, chemicals such as lead, mercury, and arsenic can damage our organs such as the liver, kidneys, and brain.
Long-term exposure to these harmful chemicals can lead to serious health issues such as cancer, nerve problems, and development issues in children. Even if the drinking water looks clean, it might still have invisible chemicals that can harm us.
This is why it is important to make sure water is properly tested and treated before drinking it. However, drinking contaminated water isn’t safe at all.
3. Weaken the Immune System:
Drinking contaminated water can weaken our immune system over time. The germs and chemicals in dirty water can make it harder for the human body to fight against infections and illnesses. When the immune system is constantly under attack, it becomes less effective, making us more likely to get sick again.
A weak immune system cannot protect us from other diseases, leaving us more open to even minor infections. That is why drinking clean water is important to keep our immune system strong and healthy.
4. Damage Vital Organs:
Drinking dirty water can damage important organs in the human body such as the liver, kidneys, and stomach. Harmful germs and chemicals in contaminated water can cause infections, organ failure, and long-term health problems.
For example, the kidneys may struggle to figure out harmful toxins from contaminated water, leading to serious health issues.
Over time, drinking dirty water can make the human body weaker and affect how well it functions. That is why clean drinking water is important to protect our organs and stay healthy.
Ways to Treat Contaminated Water for Safety
Making contaminated water safe to drink is very important to protect your health. Here are three simple ways that you can follow to treat water and make sure it is clean and safe for use:
1. Boil the Water:
Boiling is one of the easiest and most effective ways to kill germs and chemicals in water. Heat the water in a pot until it reaches a rolling boil, then let the water boil for at least 1 to 3 minutes. After boiling, allow the water to cool before drinking.
Boiling kills harmful bacteria, viruses, and parasites, making the water safe to drink. This method is especially helpful when you don’t have access to other treatments.
2. Use Water Filters:
Water filters can effectively remove dirt, harmful germs, and chemicals from contaminated water. Portable water filters such as countertop filters or pitcher filters are useful for cleaning water at home or outdoors.
These water filters work by trapping harmful impurities, leaving clean and clear water. For better results, make sure to choose a high-quality filter such as a Reverse Osmosis System, and clean it regularly to keep it effective.
Overall, filters are a great way to improve the overall water quality when boiling isn’t possible.
3. Add Water Purification Tablets:
Water purification tablets are small and easy-to-carry tablets that kill germs and make water safe to drink. They are made with chemicals such as chlorine or iodine, which remove bacteria and viruses. Just follow the instructions on the packet.
Usually, you dissolve the tablet in water and wait for a specific time before drinking. These tablets are especially useful when traveling or during emergencies.
By simply following these steps, you can turn contaminated water into safe drinking water and avoid health risks.
Conclusion:
Contaminated water doesn’t only have an unpleasant taste and odor but also poses serious health threats to overall health. Besides this, there are several other reasons as well that make it difficult and dangerous for humans to consume polluted water.
In this Frizzlife blog, we haven’t only discussed all those reasons, but also explained numerous proven steps to efficiently treat such water. We are hopeful you will find this article valuable and interesting.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is water considered dirty and contaminated?
When it has a bad appearance, i.e., color, and unusual odor. Additionally, it is also considered dirty when it contains harmful substances, pathogens, etc.
What are the health risks of drinking polluted water?
There are numerous health risks, some of the major ones are:
Gastrointestinal issues
- Infections
- Kidney damage
- Cancer
And many more.
What’s the most effective way to make dirty water safe?
The recommended way to treat contaminated water is by filtering it through a specialized water filtration system.