New Delhi: The recent tragic deaths of ten people and hospitalization of over 200 people in Indore have highlighted the dangers of contaminated drinking water. Residents of Bhagirathpura area faced serious illnesses after drinking tap water. Many people complained of severe diarrhea soon after drinking the water. Most patients had symptoms such as vomiting, nausea, fever, abdominal pain and extreme weakness, which indicate severe gastrointestinal infection.
Water pollution is not just a local problem, but a global health crisis that affects millions of people every year. Health experts say drinking unsafe or contaminated water can cause serious diseases like bacterial gastroenteritis, cholera, typhoid and diarrhea. These diseases can be fatal, especially for children, the elderly and individuals with weak immunity. In many cases, polluted water poses a sneaky killer threat, as symptoms can appear suddenly and if medical help is delayed, the condition can rapidly deteriorate.
Benefits of RO
To reduce health risks, it is extremely important to purify drinking water, especially at home. The most reliable way is to use a water purifier. Appliances like reverse osmosis (RO) purifiers remove high total dissolved solids (TDS), heavy metals, harmful salts, bacteria and viruses. UV purifiers use ultraviolet light to destroy germs, while ultrafiltration systems physically filter out bacteria and suspended particles. Gravity-based purifiers use charcoal and sediment filters to remove dirt and improve taste.
boil water
However, if a water purifier is not available at home, there are many effective ways to make water safe. Boiling water is one of the simplest and oldest methods. Boiling it for at least one to three minutes can kill bacteria, viruses, and parasites, although it cannot remove chemical pollutants like lead or arsenic.
activated charcoal
Activated charcoal is another natural option. It absorbs chemicals, chlorine, and unpleasant odors, but it does not remove germs or minerals, so it must be used in conjunction with other purification methods.
solar water purification
Solar water purification is a low-cost and environmentally friendly method. Clean plastic bottles filled with water can be kept in direct sunlight for at least six hours. The sun’s UV rays and heat help destroy harmful microorganisms.
chlorine or iodine tablets
Chemical purification using chlorine or iodine tablets is also effective in killing germs, especially during emergencies. These chemicals directly attack the microorganisms and make the water safe to drink. Given the serious health risks posed by polluted water, it is very important to adopt the right methods of water purification. Choosing the right technology not only improves water quality, but can also save lives.
