1. What could the water be contaminated with?
Bacteria or chemicals, such as nitrates can contaminate the water. When a water test shows the presence of bacteria, it is considered to be unsafe to drink. Total coliform organisms, a group of bacteria found in the environment, are an indicator of the safety of your water. If present, it indicates that disease-causing organisms, including bacteria, viruses, and parasites, could potentially be present in your water supply.
In addition, if any amount of E.coli bacteria is found in a water sample (E. coli generally lives in the intestines of warm-blooded animals and humans) it is known that human sewage or animal feces have contaminated the water supply. The presence of nitrates in well water is usually the result of farming activities like fertilizing. Consequently, if nitrates are at levels above 10 milligrams per liter of water, an infant may suffer from a condition known as 'blue baby syndrome' - caused by nitrates interfering with the blood's ability to carry oxygen throughout the body.
2. What are the signs of drinking contaminated water?
When drinking contaminated water, the health effects people experience may or may not present themselves immediately. In addition, the overall health, age and physical condition of the persona are other factors which determine the extent of what is experienced. Some of the more common problems experienced from drinking impure water include, but are not limited to:
• Gastrointestinal Problems
• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Intestinal or Stomach Cramping
• Intestinal or Stomach Aches and Pains
• Dehydration
• Death
However, if no signs or symptoms are experienced, it does not mean that there are no potential long-term effects. In fact, if water sources have been contaminated with radium or radon gas, it is likely that you will not notice immediate health effects. However, long-term exposure has been linked to others. In addition to this, other possible contaminants found in tainted water sources include:
• E. coli Bacteria
• Coliform Bacteria
• Nitrates
• Lead
• Fluoride
• Arsenic
• Radium
• Radon
• Pharmaceuticals
• Herbicides
• Pesticides
• Chemicals
• Fecal Matter
• Microbial Pathogens
• Parasites
• Viruses
• Petrochemicals
What causes water to become contaminated?
Contaminants can enter water supplies through various means, including being absorbed into the ground and contaminated ground water sources, broken pipes, and excess water run-off during heavy rain periods.
Does dirty/contaminated water smell?
There are instances where the water could smell or taste different. But in most cases, contaminants have no taste or odor, leaving no indication of contamination.
Will boiling the water help make it safe?
When boiling the water, it does kill most types of parasites, bacteria, and viruses. However, it can cause increased concentrations of other contaminants due to evaporation of water.
How can I tell if my water is safe to drink?
The best way to test if your water is safe and free from bacteria is to get it tested by an experienced water purification company in your area. The results will let you know exactly what is in your water and what steps you can take to improve it - such as getting quality water softeners and filters installed in your home or business.
Do We Really Need to Be Drinking So Much Water? YES!
If you still need convincing that plain old water really is necessary - and in copious amounts - this short video will give you all the evidence you need.
How Tennis Balls Are Effective at Relieving Body Pain
You can use Tennis Balls to ease your aches and pains. Here's how!
Un-Hunch Your Shoulders Easily With These 7 Exercises!
Got hunched shoulders? This guide will help you improve your posture.
Just How Much Water Should You Drink Every Day?
Simply drinking eight glasses of water a day may not be enough. Find out the key factors that determine our water needs.
Take a Daily Nap and Reap These Healthy Benefits...
Had a rough night? Here are 16 reasons to take a nap.
62 Great Uses For Things You Have at Home!
If you keep finding random objects around your house such as rubber bands and old clothespins, don't throw them away just yet!
You Won't Be Old AND Vulnerable After Reading This
Just because you're elderly, it doesn't mean that you're incapable of defending yourself. Read this complete guide to find out exactly what you should do.
These Are The Financial Secrets of This Billionaire
When it comes to making money, you have to listen to men like Warren Buffet - they really know what they are talking about.
Use This Tip to Slice Onions Safely, Easily & Beautifully
Slicing onions using only a knife is very difficult - and quite dangerous too. But with this amazing tip you'll keep your fingers safe and the slices perfect!
10 Surprising Items You Can Clean in the Washing Machine
The washing machine can be useful for more than just clothes. 10 surprising items you can clean in the machine with no trouble.
Suits You, Sir! How to Dress Like a Real Gentleman
It might not seem hard, but wearing a suit well is not a skill most men are born with. Here's our guide to dressing like a real dapper gentleman.
16 Survival Gadgets for Any Emergency Situation
These cool gadgets can be extremely useful in any emergency situation.
10 Tips to Washing Your Car the Right Way
Here are a few tips on how to effectively wash your car without damaging the paint or leaving marks.
4 Stylish Haircuts that Take Years Off Your Face
Sometimes, all it takes to look years younger is a change in your hair style and color.
How to Make Your Own Beautiful Cold-Porcelain
This rose, and all these ornaments look incredible - but did you know they are made from cold-porcelain, which you can make yourself? Check out this recipe.
How to Increase Water Pressure in Your Shower: 9 Tips
Is the water pressure really slow in your shower? Here’s what you should do to improve it.
10 Clever Ways to Eat Less While Staying Healthy
How to eat less and still enjoy yourselves? Here are 10 easy ways to do just that!
We Bet You're Not Aware of These Real-World Facts
Don't miss this random collection of interesting real-world facts from the world over that you are unlikely to have heard before
6 Surprising Mistakes You Probably Make When Cooking Pasta
If you follow these steps you'll be rewarded with a delicious dish that is worth every creamy bite.
A Simple, Easy Guide for Writing Your Living Will
It's not something you want to think about, but writing your will is sure to lift a huge burden from your shoulders. Here's a simple guide.
How to Remove Chocolate Stains from Your Favorite Material
A chocolate stain can be one of the trickiest stains to remove as it’s known as a combination stain. Thankfully, these tips will help!
This Special Kind of Bread is Both Beautiful and Delicious
Tired of regular bread? How about surprising everyone with this beautiful and delicious "Watermelon Bread"? It's so easy to make!
Do This to Revive a Drying Houseplant
Whenever one of your houseplants suddenly looks ill, do this trick.
Brighten Up a Dark Room With These 10 Houseplants
If you'd like to liven up a dark room in your house, consider buying some of the following plants. These plants don’t have beautiful flowers, but they have pretty leaves, which is more than you’d expect from plants that get little to no sunlight.
16 Extraordinary Table Salt Uses That No One Knows About
Salt is one of nature's most vital things, but did you know how useful it really can be? Here are 16 benefits of using salt around the house.
How to Choose, Cook and Prepare a Perfect Steak!
Most of us want to know how to cook the perfect steak, and now, thanks to these fantastic guides, we can!
10 Nifty Uses for Cooking Spray You Never Thought Of
I bet you never thought of using cooking spray in these alternative ways...
23 Simple & Helpful Life Tips Everyone Should Know
Quick and simple tips that will help you handle many of life's more irritating moments...
The Best Peeling and Cutting Advice From Expert Chefs
Learn to peel and cut your food in new and beautiful ways.
Here's How You Can Tell If Someone Is Lying to You
No one likes a liar, but thankfully, if you know how to read body language, you can tell if someone is lying to you.
Grow Anything You Want With This Gardening Collection!
Enjoy our collection of seven gardening posts that'll cover everything you need to know to grow your own plants.
These YouTube Channels Are a Delight for Senior Citizens
Discover the best YouTube channels for seniors that offer a plethora of engaging and entertaining content.
How to Clean Your Jewels at Home for Free
Enjoying clean jewels used to be a tedious chore, or an expensive visit to the jeweler's, but this way you can do it at home, for free!
7 Cleaning Mistakes Most of Us Still Make
All of these 7 cleaning mistakes are extremely common, and what’s worse, all of them can completely ruin your hard work while cleaning
Ever Notice How All of Women's Problems Begin with MEN?
Ever Notice How All of Women's Problems Begin with Men?
Women's Fashion Has Changed Quite a Bit Over the Century
Women's fashion has changed a great deal over the century. Take a look:
An A-Z of Carpet Cleaning - The Ultimate Guide!
There are so many different kinds of carpet stains that it's hard to know how to clean them all. Here is the ultimate A-Z carpet cleaning guide.
10 Ingenious Uses for Your Old Rubber Bands
These are the rubber band uses that you never considered. Some of these are amazing!
20 Gardening Tips That'll Turn Your Thumb Green
This video will help you grow just about anything.
I Lost My Double-Chin After I Learned This Great Tip..
Get rid of double chins and neck fat with this simple daily exercise.
Why Your Consumer Brand Loyalty Can Backfire
It happens to all the consumer goods you can imagine...
11 Things You Should NEVER Dump Into the Kitchen Sink
Even a garbage disposal won’t be able to handle these 11 things, so make sure to toss them directly into the trash instead of the kitchen sink
A Beginner's GUIDE to Sculpting with Clay
This guide will be your comprehensive introduction to the world of sculpting, with a focus on traditional clay modeling.
What Is Your Learning Style? This Chart Explains
What is your learning style? Identify your learning style with this chart.
Maintain Your Credibility By Avoiding the Following Words
There are certain words that many of us tend to use habitually. Unfortunately we use them to our detriment, as they harm our credibility. Find out more.
10 Easy Ways to Remove a Troublesome Splinter
Splinters are painful and can be a nightmare to remove. However, the following 10 home remedies make removing a splinter easier than ever before!