Why water needs to be treated before consuming it
Water needs to be treated before consuming it for several reasons:
1. Removal of contaminants: Water can contain various contaminants, such as bacteria, viruses, parasites, and chemical pollutants. Treating water helps in the removal or reduction of these contaminants to make it safe for consumption.
2. Disease prevention: Untreated water can harbor harmful microorganisms that can cause various waterborne diseases like cholera, typhoid, dysentery, and hepatitis. Water treatment processes like filtration, disinfection, and purification eliminate or inactivate these disease-causing organisms, reducing the risk of illness.
3. Fulfilling drinking water standards: Different countries and organizations have established drinking water quality standards that must be met to ensure public health. Water treatment processes are designed to meet these standards by removing or reducing specific contaminants and ensuring the water is safe for consumption.
4. Improved taste and odor: Water may contain natural impurities or contaminants that give it an unpleasant taste, odor, or appearance. Treatment processes like activated carbon filtration or aeration can help remove these impurities, resulting in better-tasting and odor-free water.
5. Protection against chemicals: Industrial activities, agriculture, and human activities can introduce various chemicals into water sources. These chemicals, such as pesticides, heavy metals, or toxic substances, can pose serious health risks if consumed. Treating water helps in removing or reducing these chemical contaminants to safe levels.
6. Emergency situations: During emergencies like natural disasters or water supply disruptions, treatment processes such as chlorination can be used to quickly disinfect water and make it safe for consumption, preventing the spread of waterborne diseases.
Overall, treating water before consuming it is crucial to protect public health, prevent waterborne diseases, and ensure the water meets the required quality standards for safe consumption.