How Your Body Might React If You Drink Contaminated Water

It’s almost 2024 yet, water contamination seems to be a major problem around the world. The situation is especially worse in developing and underdeveloped countries.

South Africa’s water contamination problem can be used as a good example in this case. As reported by The Conversation, almost 46 percent of the country’s drinkable water is contaminated. On top of that, more than two-thirds of all wastewater treatment plants in the country are close to failure. Thus, there’s little to no scope for treating the contaminated water and making it safe for use and consumption.

Of course, the situation isn’t better in developed countries either. The Guardian reports that the water of around 26 million Americans is contaminated. When you drink this contaminated water, your body is, for sure, to react in the worst ways possible. Let’s find out exactly how.

Gastrointestinal Problems

Waterborne pathogens like bacteria and viruses can disrupt your digestive system and cause health problems like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. The severity of these problems will vary depending on the type and concentration of contaminants present in your water.

Contaminants like E. coli are notorious for causing gastrointestinal infections. They tend to enter the water supply through fecal contamination. Once you ingest this type of contaminated water, the contaminants multiply in your digestive tract. After that, they cause inflammation and disrupt the normal functioning of the gastrointestinal system.

Waterborne Diseases

Drinking contaminated water exposes individuals to a higher risk of contracting waterborne diseases. These diseases are caused by pathogenic microorganisms present in the water, and they can have both acute and chronic health effects.

Cholera, for example, is a severe diarrheal disease caused by the Vibrio cholerae bacterium. It thrives in contaminated water and can lead to rapid dehydration and electrolyte imbalance.

Typhoid fever, on the other hand, is caused by the Salmonella typhi bacterium. It can result in high fever, abdominal pain, and, in severe cases, organ failure.

Long-Term Health Impacts

The effects of drinking contaminated water are not limited to immediate symptoms. Prolonged ingestion of water with high levels of certain contaminants has been associated with conditions such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, and kidney damage.

Chemicals like arsenic and atrazine, from industrial discharges and agricultural runoff, have been linked to an increased risk of cancer. Arsenic, in particular, is a known carcinogen and has been associated with skin, lung, bladder, and liver cancers.

PFAS chemicals have also been found to cause cancer, as evident from North Carolina’s Camp Lejeune water contamination incident. According to TorHoerman Law, PFAS chemicals, used in industries, found their way into the Camp Lejeune water supply in the early 1950s. It was later uncovered that this contaminated water led to the development of cancer in many Camp Lejeune locals over time. The Camp Lejeune lawsuits were later filed to secure compensation for the victims of this incident.

The Camp Lejeune compensation amounts are well over the billion-dollar mark, which highlights just how grave the situation became because of this incident. It’s been reported that there are over a million Camp Lejeune victims, thousands of whom developed cancer linked to the incident in NC. Based on this one incident alone, it’s difficult to ignore the long-term health impacts of using or drinking contaminated water.

Impact on the Immune System

Contaminated water not only introduces pathogens directly into the body but can also have indirect effects on the immune system. Chronic exposure to waterborne contaminants can compromise your immune system’s ability to defend against infections. Prolonged ingestion of contaminants has been linked to immunosuppression.

Certain contaminants can interfere with the production and function of immune cells, making individuals more susceptible to infections. This weakened immune response can lead to a higher incidence of illnesses and longer recovery times when exposed to other pathogens.

Neurological Effects

Some contaminants found in water sources have the potential to affect the central nervous system, leading to neurological symptoms and disorders. Heavy metals like lead and mercury, often present in industrial runoff and certain water pipes, can accumulate in the body over time. When they cross the blood-brain barrier, these metals can cause cognitive impairments.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), lead exposure, in particular, is a significant concern, especially for children whose developing brains are more vulnerable. Chronic exposure to lead-contaminated water has been associated with lower IQ, learning disabilities, and behavioral problems.

Mercury, another neurotoxic metal, can cause neurological symptoms such as tremors, memory loss, and difficulty concentrating.

In conclusion, ensuring access to clean and safe drinking water is crucial for maintaining public health. The consequences of drinking contaminated water can be severe and wide-ranging, affecting various organ systems and leading to both acute and chronic health issues.

It is essential to be aware of the potential risks associated with waterborne contaminants and take proactive measures to safeguard water sources. By prioritizing water quality, we can protect our communities from the threats posed by contaminated water.