Last Updated on November 7, 2020
3. Dangers of drinking unfiltered water
Contaminated water health effects depend on the type of impurities present in it. High amounts of nitrates in water can put children in immediate danger because once in the intestines, nitrates are transformed in nitrites, which in turn prevent blood from carrying oxygen. Kidney problems and high blood pressure could be signs of prolonged exposure to lead-tainted water.
One of the most threatening water contaminants is cryptosporidium, a pathogen that could make you develop a fatal gastrointestinal disease. Some people think that boiling water removes all the contaminants present in it, but that’s absolutely not true.
While there are some benefits of boiling tap water, like killing all the germs, there are some noteworthy downsides.
Boiling reduces the total volume of water, so that means that the nitrates, lead, and pesticides will still be there and in more concentration – making them more dangerous.
Don’t confuse boiling water with distillation units —the later function by boiling water and condense the steam, a process used to create distilled water. In short, it is highly recommended that you test your tap water to understand its composition and act accordingly.
Just because it has some specific contaminants, that doesn’t mean you should immediately switch to bottled water. Inform yourself and try to find a solution that suits you best. We’re sure there will be a water filter system that fits your needs. The environment will thank you.
