Water that comes directly from natural sources, which is called “raw water”, is Popular acquisition. Raw water preachers refuse to supply public water, including tap water, because they do not enjoy taste or believe that it is unsafe and exhausted of biomedia.
On the surface, raw water may look attractive – the natural surrounding areas may look beautiful, the water may look clean and taste the fresh. But unlike commercially packed tap or water, raw water is not evaluated for safety. This leaves people who drink it vulnerable to infectious microbes or other toxic pollutants.
I Microbiology researcher Study of infectious diseases. From the perspective of public health, it is possible to clarify the misconceptions about tap water and the health risks of raw water to protect consumers and reduce the spread of infectious diseases.
A short history of public drinking water
Archaeological evidence indicates that humans have long been associated with Dirty water with negative health results. Early from 1500 BC, The ancient Egyptians A binding factor has been added to its water to the pollutants lying together for ease of removal.
Two main development in the mid -nineteenth century showed the cause of the risk of pure water. First, doctor John Snow Follow the deadly cholera outbreak To polluted water from the street pump in London. second, Louis Pasteur progress The theory of germs diseaseWhich assumed that microbes can cause disease. Pasteur has proven that consuming fluids such as raw water and milk can harbor pathological pathogens.
Map of Doctor John Snow for the year 1854 for cholera cases in London, which was highlighted in black, which was assembled around a polluted pump. John Snow/Wilcum Group
These discoveries paved the way Wide infrastructure projects In the twentieth century to ensure that public water supply is safe.
today , Water cleaning process It begins with the same steps used by the ancient Egyptians, followed by a wide range of nomination to get rid of debris as well as most germs and chemicals. Chlorine In addition to killing the remaining pathogens, including those that may be present in the service tubes that carry water to the tap. Starting in the 1940sA small amount of fluoride An inexpensive, safe and effective method has been added to improve dental health.
Cleanliness and Fluoridation from water supplies Decrease Contagious and CavitiesAnd it has been announced as one of the twentieth century The greatest achievements of public health.
Is raw water more healthy than tap water?
People who slow down raw water The claim that it has health benefitsLike basic minerals and beneficial bacteria called probiotics, which are stripped of tap water. Let’s fail each of these claims.
Water dissolves parts of soil and rocks in its source; Therefore, its metal content It depends on local geology. The areas that contain a lot of limestone, such as the Middle West, contain higher water in calcium. Water may be deeper into the ground with a higher metal content because it passes through more rocks on its way to the surface.
The idea that the tap water is exhausted from the basic minerals It is not trueBecause these nutrients are very small so that they are not excluded by the filtering process. Test groups can determine your water content, and if you find it lacks, metal supplements can be added. However, experts suggest that most of the minerals you need Come from your diet, not water.
Some also claim that raw water Contains probiotics It is removed from the tap water. The amount of probiotics in the water also varies depending on the site, and the idea that the bacteria that enhance health is present in the raw water Not.
There are no studies linking raw water to any health benefit. Frames are likely to be more smooth skin or increased energy The effects of the imaginary medicine. Even the idea of tasting raw water better may be more psychological than physiological – a 2018 study showed that most people Favorite tap water Above the water bottled in the blind taste test.
The risk of drinking raw water
Raw water carries the risk of serious intestinal disruption from a wide range of pathogens.
The water transports viruses include Rota virus and NorofirosThat causes fast diarrhea and vomiting, and Hepatitis aWhich affects the liver. Bacteria like Cola and SalmonellaOr parasites like Cryptosporidium and GiardiaIt also causes severe diarrhea that can lead to dangerous levels of dehydration. Toxoplasma Gundi Raw water can also be chimp and can Causing miscarriage or congenital defects If consumed during pregnancy.
The tap water is subject to several treatment steps before it reaches your tap. CDC
It can be transmitted by diarrhea infections to others if they swim in public swimming pools or fail to wash their hands properly before touching others or preparing food. Norofille virus is particularly solid and can be Stay on the surfaces for several daysIncrease her chances of someone else.
Raw water can also contain Algae Causing abdominal problems, brain damage and nervous system.
Cholera, dysentery and typhoid fever The health burdens in the United States are no longer Thanks to the powerful water treatment system. But the regions of the world lack this privilege High child mortality and diarrhea high rates.
How safe is tap water in the United States?
The tap water in the United States Among the safest to drink in the world. The Biden Administration has taken steps to increase its improvement, including Financing to replace lead tubes New Watch rules Chemicals forever Like Perluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl, or PFAs, which are linked to cancer and development disorders.
More importantly, raw water is not necessarily free from Lead, arsenic, pesticides or industrial pollutants. Raw water sources Experts do not closely monitor itTherefore, it is difficult to determine which of them poses less risk. In addition, the water may be safe one day, but not on another. For example, The surface flow of the storm New germs or pollutants can be inserted into the region.
Environmental Protection Agency Rotally screens, approximately 100 pollutants To ensure that the tap water is safe. On the other hand, the raw water remains indifferent, unorganized, and leaving its safety for the drinking drink. Regarding the risks and benefits, there are no health benefits indicated from drinking raw water, but it is clear evidence that you may expose yourself to infectious and harmful pollutants.
Bill SullivanProfessor of microbiology and immunity, Indiana University
This article has been republished from Conversation Under the creative public license. Read The original article.
