WATER BORNE DISEASES

Q.1 How does water get contaminated?

 In the atmosphere water becomes contaminated even before it falls to the earth. The
clouds of water droplets absorb gases such as sulfur dioxide. This carries particles of dust and
collects air-borne bacteria. Groundwater contamination occurs when man-made products such
as oil, gasoline, road salts and chemicals get into the groundwater and cause to become unsafe
and unfit for human use.

Q.2 What is a water-borne disease?

 Water-borne diseases are the conditions caused by pathogenic micro-organisms that are
transmitted in water. Disease is spread while bathing, washing or drinking water, or by eating
food exposed to contaminated water. While diarrhea and vomiting are the most commonly seen
symptoms of waterborne illness, other symptoms can include skin, ear, respiratory, and eye
problems.

Q.3 Status on water-borne diseases in India?

 The common waterborne diseases in India are diarrhea which is a symptom of many
different diseases. Diarrhea is identifiable with its watery discharge. If diarrhea is left
untreated for several days, it can cause dehydration and even death. Cholera is one
of the most notorious waterborne diseases. It is caused by cholera bacterium. Then
its arsenicosis which is caused by drinking water with high arsenic levels over a long
period of time. In Hepatitis there are several different strands of hepatitis are A, B
and C. There is a vaccine for some forms of hepatitis, but not all of them can be
vaccinated. This all diseases are increasing day by day in India.

Q.4 Why are water borne diseases still rampant in India?

 Diseases are still prevalent due to extreme heat through which often plastic pipes used for water
supply gets damaged and due to that the water becomes harmful for drinking. The studies by
the experts suggested that the water quality and chlorination was largely good but as soon as it
reached the drinking pots it got deteriorated. Simple factors like people not washing hands are
significantly increasing the disease burden. So the problem is not in water but the source
through which it comes are not cleaned properly and due to less plantation of trees there is less
rainfall and more heat so due to this also the plastic pipes gets damage.

Q.5 How can water-borne diseases be prevented?

 In order to prevent water borne diseases, it is important to take necessary precautions. The
quality of water should be improved at the source itself. In some areas, the quality of water supply
might be of question. In such cases, it becomes necessary to disinfect the water before use.
Water, which is used for all purposes like cooking, drinking and brushing of teeth, should be
disinfected properly. The common household ways to avoid water borne diseases by disinfection
include: Vigorously boiling water for one minute which can kill most microorganisms. Common
household items such as chlorine bleach, tincture of iodine, and iodine tablets can be used to
disinfect water. So in these ways we can prevent water-borne diseases.