What is Water Matters..?

Intro: You! highlights the health hazards caused 

due to consuming contaminated 

water and what should be done to thwart it...

Water is our body's vital fuel, a health drink provided by Mother Nature herself. We all know that clean water has many health benefits for the human body, however, it can also prove to be hazardous and fatal if the water is contaminated. Nowadays, in Karachi, the ratio of water-borne diseases, particularly among the young ones, is on the rise because unhygienic and polluted water is being supplied to homes. Mineral water is available in the market so that people can consume pure drinking water but a very minor percentage of the population can afford to buy it. This is why generally people consume whatever they get from the tap at their homes and then end up suffering the consequences of impure water. Recently, water samples from different localities of the city were collected and tested in the Food lab of CDGK which showed that 50 per cent of the samples were contaminated. 

Read on to find the health hazards that are being caused due to contaminated water and the precautionary measures that can be taken to prevent various illnesses - particularly from water-borne diseases in young ones. 

The current situation

According to the Ex-General Secretary of Pakistan Medical Association (PMA), Karachi, Dr. Qaiser Sajjad, the city seems to have been invaded by water-borne diseases as hundreds of cases are being reported in different hospitals. Gastroenteritis also hit the city and the major cause was found out to be consumption of contaminated water. "All the main roads and streets of the city have been inundated with rain water and is mixed with water from sewerage lines, which has resulted in infecting the whole water," said Dr Qaiser.

It is vital to improve the sanitation system or people would face the deadliest diseases like typhoid, cholera, hepatitis B, gastroenteritis and food poison etc. in the near future.

Hazards of contaminated water

Water is important for the body as it accounts for about 60 per cent of the body weight. A good water intake has many benefits linked to it. It adds to one leading a long and healthy lifestyle where not only one feels good but looks good as well. Water helps in exercising efficiently and since it's a natural appetite suppressant, water can help us lose weight. It also helps in maintaining healthy skin. However, contaminated water kills the real purpose of taking water and turns the benefits into nil. 

Contaminated water leads to many health complications such as dehydration and diarrhoea. 

"Contaminated water is not only a threat to the health of expecting mothers but is also dangerous for the foetus," explained Dr Tasnim Sadiq who is an Obstetrician at the Burhani Hospital, Karachi. The contaminated water flowing in our city can also cause urinary tract infections in expecting mothers, who are more prone to this type of infection. 

Clean water when consumed bathes the body cells and refreshes them while contaminated water pollutes them. This affects the joints and causes pain in various areas of the body including backache. Whereas clean water can help your back and joints stay healthy.

Prevention 

To avoid health problems caused by water during the rain season, be sure to boil it before drinking.

"Water should be boiled for around 20 to 30 minutes to abolish 99.99 per cent viruses from the water," shared Dr Shahid at CHK. "This easy exercise can protect the health of millions from many dangerous diseases."

Chlorine and salt tablets can also be used to cleanse the water and make it healthy enough for drinking purposes. Water filters are also very useful. 

Children are particularly prone to water-borne diseases so mothers are advised to give them mineral water or properly boiled water. Make sure that feeders and other utensils are sterilised or properly washed in boiled water. You have to be very careful and just keeping simple things in mind like washing your hands properly before eating etc. can help you in preventing various ailments. Don't drink boiled water in a glass washed with contaminated water as it kills the purpose of using potable water. Crockery and other utensils used for eating foods should also be washed with boiled water. Also use boiled water for washing hands and mouth of your child. Health experts strongly advise people to use only boiled water and to avoid outdoor meals, especially during the rainy season.