Why is drinking water quality important?

Keeping hydrated with good quality water is crucial to health and well-being. Whether your home’s
water is supplied by a municipality or a private well, it is important to understand what is and isn’t in
your water. By having your water tested, you will learn about the quality of your water, if any
contaminants are present and what water treatment options are available to improve your water.

Harmful effects of heavy metals on Human Body

The human body can’t discharge these metals and they continue accumulate inside the body. It can cause reduced mental and central nervous function. It also causes harm in lungs, liver, kidneys, and other vital organs. Heavy metals are also known as carcinogens that can cause cancer. Young kids are more susceptible to the harmful effects of heavy metals because their body is in the developing stage. The continuous accumulation of heavy metals in children’s body can affect their nervous system which can lead to learning difficulties, memory impairment and furthermore result in behavioural issues in the form of aggression and hyperactivity. Here are some of the health effects of these metals on human body:

Mercury

Enters through the leaching of soil because of acid rain, coal consuming, industrial, household and
mining waste. Mercury in drinking water can cause damage to the nervous system and kidneys.

Lead

Lead in the drinking water usually comes from the corrosion of old pipes. The presence of lead in the
drinking water can cause damage to the kidney, nervous system, and learning difficulties.

Cadmium (Cd):

Found in lead, zinc, copper ores, coal, etc. the deposits of Cadmium are usually are source for surface and ground water, mainly when in contact with acidic water and low TDS. Cadmium can potentially cause damage to kidney, bone, liver and blood in case of continuing exposure at levels that are higher than the maximum contaminant level.

Arsenic

Arsenic is the most widely recognized reason for heavy metal poisoning in adults. Arsenic is discharged into nature by the refining procedure of copper, zinc, and lead, and also by thE manufacturing of pesticide chemicals and glasses. Arsenic contamination in drinking water can cause damage your skin, liver, and eyes and may also cause cancer.

Is Coliform bacteria in drinking water harmful?

Coliform bacteria are unlikely to cause illness. However, their presence in drinking water indicates
that disease-causing organisms (pathogens) could be in the water system. Most pathogens that can
contaminate water supplies come from the feces of humans or animals. Corrosion of pipes or
flooding of wells can cause contamination to enter your water supply.
If you want to know if your home’s or establishment’s drinking water contains unsafe levels of heavy
metals or microbial contaminants, have your water tested.