Ivan Larsen 
Water is, no doubt, the magic elixir that helps with digestion, maintains healthy skin and joints, regulates body temperature, and protects organs. You can reap these benefits only when you drink clean and purified water.
Even though Americans are fortunate enough to have one of the world’s safest public drinking water supplies, most lack access to clean water despite it being a fundamental human right.
The University of New Mexico researcher Johnnye Lewis and his colleagues warn that drinking water in the U.S. contains toxic contaminants. Testing data by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) also found dangerous levels of harmful chemicals in the drinking water of millions of U.S. residents.
Several studies link contaminated water with a range of health issues, from diarrhea to serious diseases like cancer. We’ll discuss some health effects of drinking polluted water in this guide.
#1 Waterborne Diseases
Ingesting water contaminated with harmful microorganisms can cause waterborne illnesses. According to the CDC, approximately 7.2 million Americans develop waterborne diseases yearly.
The most common of all waterborne diseases is diarrhea. This condition, characterized by loose, watery, and possibly more frequent stools, is common among children under five. E. coli, a type of coliform bacteria, is suggested to cause diarrhea along with nausea, vomiting, and belly cramps or pain.
Typhoid fever is one of the most common waterborne infections prevalent in developing countries. The bacteria Salmonella Typhi causes typhoid fever through contaminated water. Prolonged episodes of fever, cough, headache, diarrhea, constipation, and loss of appetite are symptoms of typhoid fever.
Another common waterborne illness is cholera. The bacterium Vibrio cholerae is to blame for this acute diarrheal illness. Cholera is common among children, but it can also affect adults. Those who develop cholera are likely to experience acute watery diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, and severe dehydration.
#2 Cancer
Individual-level studies have found a positive association between drinking water quality and a range of cancers. Drinking contaminated water increases a person’s risk of esophagus, stomach, liver, lung, pancreas, gallbladder, kidney, bone, brain, lung, and colorectal cancers.
Most of the risk is caused by naturally occurring arsenic. Ingesting high levels of arsenic can cause bladder cancer; however, the risk at low levels is uncertain.
Disinfection by-products are also linked with cancers. Researchers have found a positive association between bladder and rectal cancers and exposure to drinking water high in disinfection by-products.
The risk of bladder cancer is also high among people exposed to THM or trihalomethanes through drinking water. Some even link this major component of disinfection by-products with endometrial cancer, but the evidence is limited.
Repeated or prolonged exposure to tetrachloroethylene and trichloroethylene is associated with bladder cancer and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Tetrachloroethylene (PCE) and trichloroethylene (TCE) are two VOCs frequently detected in the groundwater in the U.S.
In this regard, the Camp Lejeune water contamination tragedy is worth mentioning. Decades ago, the water supplies of the military base were polluted with TCE and PCE. While the water contamination occurred in the early 1950s, it wasn’t discovered until 1982.
For more than three decades, veterans and civilians residing in Camp Lejeune were exposed to the contaminated water. As a result, they developed severe health issues, including cancers. Among the 16 health conditions linked to exposure to the base’s contaminated water, bladder cancer is one of them, notes TorHoerman Law.
Researchers of a recent study found an association between the development of genitourinary cancers, including bladder and kidney cancers. Increased risk of breast cancer in male Camp Lejeune Marines was also observed.
Fortunately, the passage of the CLJA (Camp Lejeune Justice Act) of 2022 created a pathway for Camp Lejeune victims to seek compensation. Victims can now file a Camp Lejeune lawsuit and recover damages for the harm they suffered from exposure to the polluted water. How much is the Camp Lejeune settlement per person is hard to determine, but lawyers estimate it could be between $10,000 and over $1,000,000.
#3 Reproductive Problems
There are several risk factors for adverse reproductive outcomes. But, contaminants in drinking water can result in negative reproductive effects.
A study by Mount Sinai researchers observed as much as 40% reduced fertility in women exposed to the chemicals found in drinking water. One chemical of serious concern was PFAS or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. Higher concentrations of PFAS in blood are linked with a significant reduction in the likelihood of pregnancy.
Exposure to chemicals in drinking water can also be the reason behind male infertility. A 2022 NIH study disclosed that copper, zinc, cadmium, and lead in drinking water can cause infertility in males.
Wrapping it up, drinking contaminated water can affect your health in numerous ways. These aren’t, however, the only side effects of drinking impure water. Repeated and prolonged exposure to contaminants in drinking water can result in neurological disorders, cardiovascular problems, and trachoma (eye Infection).
If you suspect your drinking water is contaminated, get it tested to be on the safe side. Consider installing a water filter that filters contaminants from water. Boling is also an excellent way to remove impurities, so boil your water before drinking. Also, get your pipes and taps cleaned every six months to get rid of toxic substances.
