Is the water you drink really clean? (Water Quality) Let's find out for sure!

We all start our day with a glass of water. We drink water all day long. We turn on the tap, fill it up, and drink it. But have we ever really thought about how clean and safe the water we drink is? How much water do we really need in a day? Is tap water better or bottled water that you pay for? What should you do if the water in your area suddenly becomes dirty? Let's talk about this today to find answers to many of these questions.

How much water does the body need?

Did you know that more than 50% of your body weight is water? Without water, our body cannot maintain normal temperature, keep joints functioning properly, and eliminate waste products from the body through sweat, urine, and feces.

If the body does not get enough water, dehydration can occur. This can lead to muscle weakness, limping, and a feeling of helplessness . It also increases the risk of heat stroke. In fact, water is so important that a person cannot live more than 5 days without it.

So how much water do we need? Simply put, we need to replace the amount of water we lose from our bodies every day, not just through urine, sweat, and even when we exhale. You need more water, especially in situations like these:

• In a hot climate like ours.
• When you are exerting yourself , like when exercising or working in the garden.
• When you have illnesses like fever, vomiting, diarrhea, and cough.

It is generally said that you should drink at least 8 glasses of water a day. But it varies from person to person. The best thing to do is to be a little careful about the amount of water you drink for a few days and get an idea of ​​​​the amount you need. Not only water, but also soups, drinks, and fruits and vegetables that are rich in water also provide our body with the necessary amount of fluid. Remember, if you are doing something strenuous like playing sports, you need to drink water before, during, and after it .

Is tap water really safe?

Most parts of our country are supplied with water by the National Water Supply and Drainage Board. They treat the water before releasing it to our homes. Therefore, this water is generally considered safe and suitable for drinking.

However, this water can become contaminated on its way to our homes, or sometimes due to old water tanks or pipe systems in our homes. If something happens suddenly, such as a burst water pipe or a mix of dirty water, the water can become contaminated.

Do we need to be concerned about well water?

Absolutely! A large number of people in Sri Lanka use well water. The safety of well water depends on several factors:

• The way the well is built.
• The location of the well (how close is it to toilets and garbage dumps?).
• How to maintain the well.
• Things happening in the surrounding environment (agricultural activities, factories, etc.).

Unlike tap water, well water is not regularly tested by the government. Therefore , as the owner of the well, you are responsible for its cleanliness . If possible, it is very important to have your well water tested by your local Public Health Inspector (PHIM) from time to time.

How can water become dirty?

There are many reasons why water becomes polluted. Let's look at the main ones.

Who is most at risk?

Although dirty water is harmful to everyone, it can be more harmful to some people.

• People undergoing chemotherapy for cancer
• People with HIV/AIDS
• Organ transplant patients
• Young babies and children
• Pregnant mothers

It is essential for people like this to be especially careful about the water they drink.

Health risks of drinking dirty water

The health effects vary depending on what is in the dirty water.

• If a parasite like Cryptosporidium gets into the water, it can cause severe diarrhea, and sometimes even be life-threatening.
• Nitrates are especially dangerous for young children. They are converted into nitrites in the body, which prevent the blood from carrying oxygen.
• Lead seriously affects the development of the brain and body in children. Adults who drink lead-contaminated water for years can develop kidney disease and high blood pressure.

Do water filters really work?

Many homes now use water filters. There are different types of filters.

• Activated Carbon Filters: These can remove some organic substances that alter the taste and odor of water.
• Ion Exchange Filter: Removes minerals like Calcium and Magnesium that cause the "yellow" (hardness) of water.
• Reverse Osmosis (RO) filters: These are a very advanced method. They can remove many chemicals and small particles, such as nitrates and fluoride.
• Distillation method: Water is boiled and the steam is re-condensed to obtain the purest water (distilled water).

Most importantly: No matter what filter you use, it needs to be maintained on time . If you don't change the filter when it's supposed to, dirt and germs can build up inside it, making the water quality worse than if you didn't filter it at all.

What to do in an emergency (flood, landslide)?

During natural disasters like floods and landslides, there is a high risk of water sources becoming contaminated. Be sure to take these things into consideration during such times.

• Follow the instructions given by the authorities exactly.
• Do not drink, brush your teeth, wash your hands, or prepare food from any suspicious water source.
• Drink only bottled water or well-boiled water .
• If your well has been flooded, do not use it until it has been cleaned again and the water has been tested to ensure it is suitable.
• If you suspect that something poisonous has been added to the water, you can call the National Poison Information Center at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.
• If you develop symptoms such as diarrhea and vomiting due to contaminated water, see your doctor immediately or go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital.