Reasons why water needs to be treated before we consume it
There are several reasons why water needs to be treated before it is safe for consumption:
1. Removal of Harmful Substances: Water treatment helps eliminate harmful substances such as bacteria, viruses, parasites, chemicals, heavy metals, and pollutants from the water. These contaminants can cause various diseases and health issues if consumed without proper treatment.
2. Pathogen Removal: Water treatment processes like disinfection and filtration help remove pathogenic microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and protozoa. These organisms can cause illnesses such as gastrointestinal infections, cholera, dysentery, and hepatitis.
3. Removal of Sediments and Suspended Particles: Water treatment also helps to remove sediments, suspended particles, organic matter, and debris. These impurities can make water appear cloudy, muddy, or discolored and can affect its taste and odor. Removing these particles enhances the appearance, taste, and clarity of water.
4. Reduction of Chemical Contaminants: Treatment processes such as coagulation, flocculation, and activated carbon filtration assist in removing chemical contaminants like pesticides, herbicides, industrial solvents, and pharmaceutical residues. These chemicals can pose risks to human health if consumed in high concentrations.
5. Prevention of Waterborne Diseases: By treating water, the risk of waterborne diseases such as diarrhea, giardiasis, cryptosporidiosis, typhoid, and leptospirosis is significantly reduced. Water treatment plays a crucial role in preventing outbreaks of such diseases, especially in areas with inadequate sanitation and hygiene practices.
6. Compliance with Drinking Water Standards: Water treatment ensures that drinking water meets the standards set by regulatory authorities such as the World Health Organization (WHO) or Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). These standards dictate the maximum allowable levels of contaminants in drinking water to guarantee its safety.
7. Protection against Emergencies and Natural Disasters: During emergencies or natural disasters like floods or earthquakes, water sources can become contaminated with harmful substances. Treating water in such situations becomes vital to provide safe drinking water to individuals and communities affected by such events.
8. Improves Taste and Odor: Water treatment processes, such as activated carbon filtration or aeration, can help remove unpleasant tastes and odors caused by organic compounds or impurities. This enhances the overall taste, odor, and palatability of drinking water.
In summary, water treatment is essential to ensure the safety, quality, and potability of drinking water by removing harmful substances, pathogens, contaminants, and sedimentation. It plays a crucial role in promoting public health and preventing waterborne diseases.