Factors Causing Water-borne Diseases

Water is said to be the generator of life & no life on the earth can be present in the absence of water. We need water to live. But it’s said that as there are pros & cons for every substance existing in this world, water is also the manufacturer of various diseases that are suffered by man, which are defined as water borne diseases.

The infections are caused due to the presence of various bacteria, viruses, parasites & protozoa in the water, making the water contaminated. When this water is consumed by a person, it leads to water borne diseases thereby hampering physical health.

People in the villages make use of the waters from the lakes & wells for the purposes like bathing, washing of clothes, utensils that lead to the contamination of the water. These waters get amalgamated with the main sources thus helping to spread the contamination.

The industrial wastes that are drained from the industries contain harmful & poisonous chemicals that get mixed in the water & when consumed, not only affects human life but also hampers aquatic species. Water-borne diseases are not only caused due to the intake of the contaminated water, but also from the adulterated food where there is presence of certain parasites, bacteria & fungus causing harm to our immunity system & leading to diseases like cholera, jaundice, typhoid. Nausea & diarrhea are some of the common indications of such illnesses. Sometimes can lead to high fever, constipation, problems related to vision, skin, breathing etc.

Altered surface water & irregular functioning of the water distribution arrangements from the municipal corporation are the major reasons that help to transmit these bacterial infections.

• Preventive measures:

1. Electrolyte generators which help to manufacture sodium hypochlorite from the salt water are now available at reasonable rates. Such effective water vessels prevent the possibilities of recontamination of water & thus helping to spread such infectious diseases.
2. Make a proper habit of undertaking hygienic activities which promote health safety.
3. Patients suffering from such illnesses often face dehydration which can be reduced by the intake of fluids for relief.
4. Encouragement to achieve knowledge of sage drinking water & food habits is the need of the day.
5. Running water should be consumed unless purified with the respective appliances of purification or without boiling. Boiling water is an effective way to kill the germs residing in the water.