Contaminated water refers to any water source that contains harmful substances. These contaminants can range from microorganisms such as bacteria and viruses to chemicals, heavy metals, disease causing agents and organic pollutants. When people are exposed to these in water, it can have severe health consequences. Most often these build up over time (bioaccumulation) without people realizing.
One of the most alarming threats posed by contaminated water is waterborne diseases. Pathogens such as E. coli, Cholera, and Giardia can cause severe illness and even death. These diseases disproportionately affect poor populations in developing countries, with limited access to clean water and sanitation facilities, like we have in the United States.
Critical dangers for most Americans are heavy metals like lead, arsenic, and mercury as well as chemicals and pharmaceuticals. These can lead to chronic health conditions. Prolonged exposure to these substances is linked to neurological damage, cancers, reproductive and developmental issues, especially in children.
While filtration technology has come a long way, many wastewater treatment facilities are not designed to remove pharmaceutical compounds effectively. This means they can pass through treatment processes and be consumed by you. The presence of pharmaceutical residues in drinking water may expose individuals to low levels of drugs over time, and even this can have serious side effects. Some people are more sensitive than others to exposure.
Pharmaceuticals that contain hormones and hormone-mimicking substances, can disrupt the endocrine system in humans and aquatic life, adversely impacting reproductive health. This disrupts the balance of the ecosystem and raises concerns about bioaccumulation of pharmaceuticals in the food chain.
Filtration is a critical component of water treatment processes that eliminate impurities and contaminants from water, making it safe for consumption. There are various filtration methods, each tailored to address specific types of contaminants:
Mechanical filtration: This method employs physical barriers, such as screens or membranes, to separate particles and microorganisms from the water. It’s highly effective in removing larger particles and sediment, enhancing water clarity. This is most often used by water treatment plants and municipalities.
Chemical filtration: Activated carbon filters are used to adsorb organic compounds and chemicals, effectively reducing their concentration in water. This method helps eliminate the taste and odor of chlorine and other disinfectants.
Biological filtration: Biological filters use beneficial microorganisms to break down and remove organic pollutants and nutrients, making water safer and more environmentally friendly.
Reverse osmosis: This advanced filtration process uses a semipermeable membrane to remove virtually all contaminants, ensuring exceptionally pure water.
As health coaches at Fast.Eat.Live., we recommend to our clients that they invest in home water filtration systems or portable purifiers. When possible, we even recommend using a small purification device attached to the shower head.
By employing filtration methods, we can significantly reduce the risk of waterborne diseases and chronic health issues caused by contaminated water. Water treatment plants, filtration systems in homes, and portable water purifiers play a role in safeguarding our health.
Since water is essential to life, it is imperative that we take the proper steps to consume clean and safe water. ◆
For further health coaching on this topic and more, contact us at FastEatLive.com
