Water sustains life. When contaminated water is spoiling and defeats the purpose of cleansing, it is one of the most significant carriers of disease. Millions of people around the world get sick every year because of unsafe drinking water. The diseases, commonly referred to as waterborne diseases, were acquired by consuming or contacting contaminated water. Many of these ailments can threaten life if we do not find ways to prevent or get treatment as quickly as possible. Manufacturers of sanitation need to promote proper hygiene practices, adequate access to clean and safe water, and reach out to communities to disrupt patterns leading to the continued spread of these diseases.

Understanding Waterborne Diseases

Before exploring how to prevent these illnesses, it’s crucial to understand what are water borne diseases. These are infections transmitted through the consumption of or contact with contaminated water. The contaminants may include bacteria, viruses, protozoa, and parasites. These pathogens thrive in dirty water, which may be polluted with human or animal waste, industrial runoff, or agricultural chemicals. Diseases caused by water pollution range from mild gastrointestinal disturbances to severe infections like cholera and typhoid.

Name some water borne diseases that are commonly found in developing regions: cholera, typhoid, hepatitis A, giardiasis, and dysentery. These illnesses can show varied symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting, fever, and dehydration, and in extreme cases, can result in death. Children and the elderly are especially vulnerable.

The 4 Types of Water Related Diseases

There are 4 types of water related diseases, classified based on how water is involved in their transmission:

1. Waterborne Diseases: Caused by drinking water contaminated with pathogens. Examples include cholera and typhoid.
    

2. Water-Washed Diseases: Result from a lack of adequate water for personal hygiene. Examples include scabies and trachoma.
    

3. Water-Based Diseases: Involve parasites that spend part of their life cycle in aquatic hosts. Schistosomiasis is one example.
    

4. Water-Related Insect Vector Diseases: Transmitted by insects that breed in or near water, such as malaria and dengue.
    

Knowing these categories is vital for developing strategies for the prevention of water borne diseases and improving public health infrastructure.

Sources and Spread of Water Diseases

Water diseases primarily spread through:

• Drinking contaminated water.

• Poor sanitation and open defecation.

• Improper storage of clean water.

• Consumption of food washed with polluted water.

• Lack of handwashing facilities and hygiene awareness.
   

Environmental factors, such as flooding or droughts, also influence the spread of dirty water disease. Floodwaters often mix with sewage, increasing the risk of widespread outbreaks. On the other hand, droughts reduce access to clean water, forcing people to use unsafe sources.

Essential Hygiene Practices for Prevention

The prevention of water borne diseases heavily relies on hygiene and sanitation practices. Here are key preventive measures:

1. Ensure Safe Drinking Water

• Always boil before drinking water or use water purification tablets.

• Use household filters or install community-level filtration systems.

• Store drinking water in clean, covered containers to avoid recontamination.
   

2. Maintain Personal Hygiene

• Wash hands with soap and water before eating, after using the toilet, and after handling waste.

• Encourage children to practice handwashing from a young age.

• Use safe water for brushing teeth and bathing, especially during outbreaks.
   

3. Sanitize Food and Utensils

• Wash fruits and vegetables with clean water.

• Cook food thoroughly, especially meats and seafood.

• Clean kitchen utensils and surfaces regularly with disinfected water.
   

4. Improve Sanitation Infrastructure

• Construct and use proper toilets or latrines.

• Avoid open defecation and promote community awareness on sanitation.

• Dispose of waste and sewage safely, away from water sources.
   

5. Community Awareness and Education

• Organize hygiene promotion campaigns.

• Educate the public on the importance of water safety.

• Encourage water conservation to maintain a sustainable supply.
   

6. Vaccination and Health Monitoring

• Promote vaccines for water-related illnesses such as cholera and hepatitis A.

• Set up surveillance systems to detect outbreaks early.

• Provide medical treatment and oral rehydration solutions in high-risk areas.
   

Government and NGO Initiatives

In many regions, governments and non-profit organizations play a key role in improving clean water access. Initiatives include:

• Rainwater harvesting systems in rural areas.

• Solar-powered filtration plants.

• Hygiene education in schools and public spaces.
   

These efforts collectively aim to reduce diseases caused by water pollution and support better health outcomes, especially for vulnerable populations.

Importance of RO and Alkaline Purified Water

In the fight against water borne diseases, the most important factor is the quality of water. Reverse Osmosis (RO) water purifiers have become essential in households and communities as they effectively remove harmful contaminants. It removes bacteria, viruses, heavy metals, and dissolved salts from water. RO systems act as a reliable barrier against diseases caused by drinking polluted water, ensuring that the water consumed is safe and clean. Additionally, alkaline water purifiers not only filter the water but also balance its pH, enriching it with mineral-rich nutrients like calcium, potassium, and magnesium.This makes the water not just pure, but really good for health, where it can neutralise acidity in your body and hydrate. When RO and alkaline are combined, they create an extra layer of protection that is not only essential in fighting dirty water disease in homes but also aids in promoting long-term wellness.

By prioritising essential hygiene and sanitation, we can reduce the incidence of water diseases and prevent suffering caused by preventable illnesses.

Using an RO purifying system can save lives by killing all the various bacteria and viruses in the water, making it safer to drink. Choose a trusted RO water purifier from PAQOS for safe drinking water.

Ultimately, fighting diseases caused by drinking polluted water is not just about technology or treatment, it's about awareness, action, and the collective responsibility to protect the water that sustains us all. Clean hands, safe drinking practices, RO purifier from PAQOS and community-led sanitation can together eliminate the risks of dirty water disease and usher in a healthier, more secure future.