It is expected that clean drinking water should be readily available to us daily. However, it cannot be guaranteed that water which appears to be crystal clear is actually safe to consume. Harmful microorganisms and impurities can be present in water without changing its taste, smell, or appearance. These contaminants can lead to various waterborne diseases, affecting millions of people around the world every year.
Many households rely on water purification systems to improve water quality and reduce health risks. Among the available options, Reverse Osmosis (RO) water purifiers are widely used because they help remove many harmful contaminants from drinking water.
In this article, we will look at how contaminated water affects health, the common causes behind water-related illnesses, and how an RO water purifier can contribute to safer drinking water for your family.
What are waterborne diseases?
Most people judge water by its appearance, taste, or smell. However, even clear-looking water may contain contaminants that can affect your health. When water becomes contaminated with harmful microorganisms, it can increase the risk of various waterborne diseases.
Consuming contaminated water may lead to various waterborne diseases, ranging from mild stomach discomfort to more serious health concerns. This is why maintaining water quality through proper purification and regular RO servicing is important.
Some common symptoms include:
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Fever
- Stomach cramps
- Dehydration
- Weakness and fatigue
Common examples of waterborne diseases
Water that has been contaminated can cause illness in various ways. Some of the illnesses may be associated with mild digestive issues, while other diseases can become severe in the absence of proper treatment. Some of the illnesses include:
Diarrhea
Diarrhea is among the most common health problems associated with polluted water. If your body loses excess water in a very short span of time, you will be dehydrated
Cholera
This is a highly dangerous illness caused by bacteria. Drinking contaminated water can cause cholera, which may result in diarrhea and dehydration.
Typhoid fever
Typhoid fever spreads through contaminated food and water. People with typhoid may experience prolonged fever, weakness, stomach discomfort, and loss of appetite.
Dysentery
Dysentery affects the bowels and may cause symptoms such as diarrhea, stomach pains, and dehydration. This condition is usually caused by bad sanitation and contaminated water.
Gastroenteritis
This is a stomach infection acquired from contaminated food and water sources. The symptoms include nausea, vomiting, stomachache, and diarrhea.
Why water quality matters in Kanpur homes
There are many places in Kanpur that rely on ground and municipal sources of water that can be contaminated by dissolved impurities, sediments, and other pollutants. The possibility of contamination of water might rise during the monsoon period because of runoff and leakage in water supply systems.
As an RO service provider in Kanpur, we often come across homes where filters become clogged faster because of sediment and impurities present in the water supply. In some cases, homeowners notice changes in the taste, smell, or clarity of water, which may indicate that their purifier requires maintenance.
Since the quality of source water can vary from one locality to another, using an appropriate water purification system and servicing it regularly can help maintain safer drinking water for your family.
What is TDS and why is it important?
TDS means Total Dissolved Solids. TDS is the total quantity of minerals, salts, and other impurities dissolved in the water.
If there is high TDS in water, it can affect:
- The taste of water
- The smell of water
- Quality of water
- Performance of home appliances
Though all dissolved solids do not cause harm to health, but still, a high quantity of TDS indicates bad water quality along with contamination.
This is the reason why RO water purifiers are preferred by many people.
Can an RO water purifier reduce the risk of waterborne diseases?
The RO water purifier cannot ensure 100% protection from all kinds of diseases, but it can make the water safer to drink, making it free from many harmful components found in water.
Some of the benefits of using an RO purifier are as follows:
Reduces dissolved impurities
RO membranes are very effective at removing many dissolved impurities, including some heavy metals and excessive salts.
Improves water quality
Cleaner water levels ensure less contact with leading water-borne illness factors.
Multiple layers of filtration
Most RO systems combine different filtration technologies to provide comprehensive purification.
Better taste and odor
An RO filter improves the taste and odor of water due to the elimination of various contaminants.
Proper water filtration methods and safe hygienic practices would assist in addressing several causes of waterborne diseases that exist in household water.
How often should RO filters be replaced?
Over time sediment, impurities and pollutants will build up on your filters thereby affecting the overall performance of the filter. Replacement times vary greatly depending on water quality and usage but the following are general recommendations:
- Sediment filter: Every 3 to 6 months
- Carbon filter: Every 6 to 12 months
- RO membrane: Every 1 to 2 years
- Full service of the RO system: Every 3 to 6 months
Signs your RO purifier may need servicing
Many homeowners are unsure when their RO system requires attention.
Watch for these signs:
- Slow water flow
- Unpleasant taste or odor
- Increased TDS readings
- Water leakage
- Unusual noises
- Delayed tank filling
If you notice any of these issues, it may be time to schedule professional maintenance.
Final thoughts
Clean drinking water is one of the simplest ways to protect your family's health. Since many waterborne diseases spread through contaminated water, having a reliable water purification system at home can make a big difference.
While no purifier can guarantee 100% protection from every health risk, a properly maintained RO water purifier can help improve water quality and reduce many contaminants that contribute to the causes of waterborne diseases.
If your RO purifier has not been serviced recently, Aqua Drink provides doorstep RO service across Kanpur, Lucknow, and nearby areas. Our technicians can inspect your purifier, check TDS levels, replace filters, and help ensure your family continues to receive clean drinking water.
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