Tips to ensure pure drinking water

Drinking contaminated water is the number one cause of illness and with the rise in the number of cases of monsoon diseases like cholera and typhoid, it is highly essential that you ensure you are drinking only pure water.

During monsoons, the chances of contracting these diseases are higher as water gets contaminated due to water logging, unsanitary conditions, open sewage etc. Eating or drinking unhygienic food and water can transmit the virus easily into your system in turn making you sick. While basics like washing your hands properly before you eat and eating home-cooked meals to avoid infections are important, here are some tips to ensure you are drinking pure, clean water.

• The very first thing to keep in mind is to drink water that is boiled and filtered. Do not drink tap water as it isn’t potable (safe for drinking).
• When you go out, carry water from home instead of drinking outside water as you do not know if it is pure or not.
• If someone is ill, do not drink water from his bottle or glass or let him drink it from yours as it will spread the infection.

Many people think that passing water through a muslin cloth makes it safe for drinking. While this method removes some impurities from it, it does make it completely safe for drinking. There could still be bacteria, viruses and other toxic substances present in it. To make sure water is fit for drinking, boil the water after filtering it through the cloth. Once the water starts boiling, keep it boiling for a 1-2 minutes and then let it cool*. This kills germs present in water and makes it safe for drinking. Store it in a container and keep it covered.

The container you store water in is also of prime importance. Even if you have clean drinking water but it is stored in a dirty or contaminated bottle or vessel, it can lead to an infection by contaminating the water. Make sure you check the lid too and do not touch the insides with your fingers.

Avoid storing water in milk or fruit juice bottles as milk proteins and fruits sugars settle in these bottles and can cause bacterial growth in water stored in them.

These days, many water purifiers are available in the market. These are easy-to-operate and give clean drinking water. If affordable, install one in your house to ensure pure drinking water for your family especially during monsoons. 

There are different types of purifiers available in the market. The most popular ones using are UV and RO technology. UV purification method uses short-wavelength ultraviolet radiation to kill micro-organisms present in water while RO or reverse osmosis method uses a semi-permeable membrane and pressure to purify water.

These purifiers need cleaning and servicing from time to time so make sure you remember and get it cleaned often. 

How to purify water outside home

While it is easier to purify water at home, if you are on a camping trip and have to drink water from natural sources like a river or pond, it can be tricky to know if the water is pure or not. In such situations, it is best to keep the following things in mind.

Always drink water that is free flowing than from a stagnant source as chances are it will have more germs.

Check the water surface before you drink it. Does it look dirty or unclear or have any scum? If that is the case, do not drink it. If there is no other water source, then filter it as much as you can before you sip it. Boiling it will be a good option. Or you can take with you chlorine tablets which will help purify water. There are also micro-filters and purifiers available in the market which you can pack before taking the trip. Carry as much water as possible from home and if you run out of it, try buying packaged drinking water of a well-known brand.

Keep these simple tips in mind during the rains to avoid falling sick.

*According to the Washington State Department of Health and the United States Environmental Protection Agency 

Read more about causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment ofcholera.