Waterborne diseases are a major threat to public health in arid regions where the availability of clean and consumable water is very limited. People contract these diseases after consuming water that is contaminated with pathogenic organisms. If you understand various facts about waterborne diseases’ causes and prevention, they can be avoided considerably.
What are the Causes of Waterborne Diseases?
Pathogens present in water sources lead to waterborne diseases. Knowledge of these and other specific causative agents is important to avoid illnesses. It is equally important to know the methods of safe water provision.
Here are some of the major causes of waterborne diseases:
- Contaminated Drinking Water:
As pathogenic bacteria, viruses, and parasites abound in contaminated water, those who consume such water can fall sick. Contaminated water can be the fallout of industrial waste or improper garbage disposal.
- Poor Sanitation:
Poor adherence to proper sanitation when disposing of waste contaminates water, which can spread diseases among humans. Lack of hygiene enhances the probability of a higher number of people contracting water-borne diseases.
- Unhygienic Food Handling:
This is because contaminated water could have been used in the food-making process. Hence, consumption of such food cloud lead to the spread of many types of diseases.
- Recreational Water Activities:
Swimming or bathing in contaminated water can also lead to the spread of infectious diseases. Stagnant water such as those in lakes or pools that may not have been cleaned frequently can be a potential health risk to people.
- Animal Waste:
Such waste can mix with water sources, especially when animals excrete on river banks or lake shores. Water contaminated this way can carry deadly germs and be totally unfit for human consumption.
- Natural Disasters:
Floods can disrupt sanitation facilities and contribute to the spread of pollution. Water sources become contaminated and pose a high risk for water-related diseases.