water pollution

The impact of water pollution on health

Clean water is one of the fundamental elements of a healthy lifestyle. Unfortunately, water pollution is one of the biggest threats to human health worldwide. Access to it in its pure form is particularly important in countries where pollution levels are exceptionally high; however, this issue can occur practically everywhere. How to deal with it? Through water filtration, which is one of the most effective tools in the fight against diseases caused bydirty water. In this article, we will take a look at the most common contaminants, the diseases they can cause, and effective water filtration methods.

Last updated: August 26, 2025

The most common pollutants found inIn water, the most common pollutants include: bacteria and viruses, which can cause diseases such as cholera and typhus; chemicals.industrial, such as: oils, solvents, heavy metals, pesticides, and other chemicals used in industry;
  • municipal wastewater, which contains human and animal waste as well as various pollutants from homes and other buildings;
  • pesticides,herbicides and fertilizers, which are used in agriculture and contaminate groundwater or surface waters;
  • garbage, such as: plastic bags, bottles, and other waste that are thrown into the water;
  • pollutionair, such as: sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides, which fall with rain and enter the water;
  • oil and fuel spills, which occur during maritime and air transport.
  • The most common diseases caused by pollutionwaterborne

    Among the most common diseases caused by consuming contaminated water are:

    • Cholera – a bacterial intestinal disease caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. It can be transmitted through water contaminated withfekaliami.
    • Abdominal typhoid fever – a bacterial disease caused by the bacterium Salmonella typhi, which can be transmitted, like cholera, through water contaminated with feces.
    • Human roundworm (Ascaris lumbricoides) – a parasitic disease caused by nematodes that live inin human intestines and are transmitted through contaminated water or food.
    • Schistosomiasis – a parasitic disease caused by blood flukes.
    • Legionellosis – a disease caused by bacteria of the genus Legionella.
    • Giardiasis – a diseasecaused by the protozoan Giardia lamblia.
    • Hepatitis A (HAV) – a disease caused by the hepatitis A virus from the Picornaviridae family,
    • Bacterial dysentery – a disease caused by bacteria from the genusShigella.
    • Cryptosporidiosis – a disease caused by the protozoan Cryptosporidium.
    • Urolithiasis – a disease caused by mineral deposits that form in the kidneys.

    Effective water filtration

    How to effectively protect yourself from the threats posed by contaminated water? By using modern and efficient water filtration systems. Depending on the type of contaminants, it is worth considering different filtration methods, such as:

    It is worth remembering:Contaminated water can lead to many dangerous diseases, which is why it is important to take care of its quality.
    • Carbon filters – effectively remove chlorine, organic contaminants, and unpleasant odors.
    • Osmotic filters – eliminate almost all contaminants, including bacteria, viruses, and heavy metals.
    • Ceramic filters – effectively remove bacteria and mechanical impurities.
    • UV filters – disinfect water using ultraviolet radiation, eliminating viruses and bacteria.

    How to prevent water contamination?

    In In everyday life, there are many ways to prevent water pollution. Here are some of them:

    • Avoiding littering in water bodies – taking care of the cleanliness of rivers, lakes, and seas is crucial for protecting water resources.
    • Proper management of chemicals – using environmentally safe substances and their properstorage.
    • Supporting local water protection initiatives – getting involved in cleanup actions and educating about the protection of water resources.

    Each of us has an impact on water quality, so it's worth making informed decisions.

    It's worth remembering: The choice of the right filtration system dependsdepending on the type of contaminants and the individual needs of the user.

    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

    What are the health effects of contaminated water?

    Contaminated water can lead to many diseases, including diarrhea, liver diseases, and infections.

    What are the most effective water filtration methods?

    The most effective methods are osmotic and UV filters, which eliminate most contaminants.

    Do all filters remove bacteria?

    Not all filters remove bacteria, which is why it's worth choosing those that have this function, e.g., ceramic filters.

    What are the main sources of water pollution?

    The main sources are industry, agriculture, and municipal sewage.and plastic waste.

    How can we prevent water pollution?

    This can be done by properly managing waste and avoiding the use of harmful chemicals.

    Does polluted water always cause diseases?

    Not always, but it increases the risk of many diseases, which is why it is important to take care of its quality.

    Author: Maciej Waliduda — a specialist in water quality, with experience in filtration and water resource protection.

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