Since we were young, our parents and teachers have taught us that we need to consume eight glasses of water every day to keep healthy and be able to go on for the day. Water is vital in everyone's life. We all know this back then and probably have been reminded by numerous commercials and statements from doctors. However, many people are wondering if the water they consume is safe and most of them drink whatever is available. Well, to be honest, we should always think about the water quality we are drinking every day. 

Low-grade water quality can create a big impact on our health in general. The possibility of getting ill from drinking water from a polluted area is very high. Drinking water with contaminants can also cause serious health implications such as amoebiasis and the like. That is why doctors recommend you should think about the quality of water you drink and take the necessary actions and precautions to make sure the water you are consuming is safe and clean. 

How Can Water Affect Our Health

Water is one of the most important elements on this planet. The Earth's surface is composed of 71% water, while the other 29% consists of continents and islands. Same with the human adult body, it consists of up to 60% water, and we primarily need water to survive. So it is with no surprise that the water quality we take can greatly affect our health in general. 

Sources of Contaminants

Reports from various water agencies say that more sources of freshwater are not being taken care of and being destroyed by some cruel companies, many are now being affected by drinking poor quality water, and it has been predicted that it will still continue to rise in the upcoming years. 

You may be wondering what may be the reason our water has become poor and not potable. There are a few reasons for water to be contaminated that can affect your water quality. Here are the things you need to know. 

Pesticides

This is one of the most common pollutants that greatly affect the quality of water we drink. This kind of chemical is used to keep grass green and growing. Just see how beautiful the different plants and lawn you see every day when you pass by. However, the chemicals used there to maintain them to look good is the common cause of why there are pesticides. When these chemicals runoff from the plants, they straightly go to the soil and pollute the groundwater. With that being said, it can greatly affect one's health when consumed. You may experience skin rashes and allergic reactions and sometimes affect your digestive issues, cardiac arrest, and can even cause death. 

Nutrients

We all know that nutrients are good for our health. However, a certain type of nutrient can be very dangerous especially when consuming in large quantities. Pesticides, agriculture, and fertilizer are dangerous nutrients that can have mild to severe effects on the human body.

Sewage Systems

One of the major sources of poor water quality is from sewage and septic systems. It's not a surprise for some anymore as they have experienced this themselves. If human waste was able to penetrate any nearby soil, it can lead to water contamination. Hepatitis and dysentery are among the health issues you may get if you have been contaminated. The bacteria present in this water are E-coli which is very dangerous and can cause complications to your health and can be deadly when consumed, especially for an elderly person, children, and infants. 

Bacteria

We all know that bacteria present in water can be very dangerous to human health. However, even if we monitor our water supplies it can still have some bacteria present in it. It is good to know that some bacteria will not greatly affect your water, but the presence of the wrong type can be alarming. Bacteria can be present from anywhere. Water itself can be a house of many bacteria if it is stagnant and kept at a well off temperature. The effect of bacteria on the human body can start from a simple cold to fever and death. 

Safety Tips

Now that you have a better understanding of how different contaminants can affect your water quality and impact your health, here are some safety tips to keep you safe.

Be Observant

If you start to feel like your water has changed because of some identifier such as taste, odor, and color get in touch with a professional right away. You may also buy a water filter. Getting the best water filters in the market will help you eliminate such problems. If the problem persists, call your water professional to make a test. 

Consumer Reports

Most states let you see your local Consumer Confidence Report. This contains information about public water supplies in your location. This will give you an idea of how your water supply works and if there are some potential issues you may face. This is if your water is connected to a public source. 

Test It

If you are not using water from the city line, it is best if you have your water tested. It is to know if there are any contaminants present in your water. Experts suggest that you do this annually.

Call a Medical Professional

If you think you become ill from consuming contaminated water, call a medical professional right away. In some cases, you will just need a simple medication to treat the effects of the contaminants inside your body. If no symptoms but you feel like you consumed such poor water quality, still contact your doctor. There may be an underlying health condition inside your body that your doctor can prevent from getting serious. 

As a human being, the water you take should be at its best quality. Now that you have a better understanding of the consequences of having poor quality water and how important it is to human health, you have the knowledge required to ensure the water you and your family are always clean and of high quality. Water is essential to our lives, be sure your water supply is delivering the best water quality for you and your family.