Contaminated water and poor sanitation are linked to transmission of water-borne diseases, which can be life-threatening as well. Inappropriately managed water and sanitation services expose individuals to a host of debilitating health conditions. Even in developed countries, malfunctioning high flow backflow preventer devices can lead to leakage of sewage or contaminated water containing herbicides, pesticides, feces, chemicals, and even hazardous waste into the potable water supply. When you consider the fact that contaminated drinking water is responsible for 485,000 diarrheal deaths each year, water safety and hygiene become all the more important. Here are the most common diseases that are the byproduct of contaminated water.
Typhoid
One of the most common waterborne diseases is Typhoid. It is characterized by high-grade fever, muscular aches and pain, fatigue, and severe diarrhea. It’s spread through contaminated water and food prepared/grown with polluted water, and is highly contagious. The only surefire way to protect against Typhoid is to prevent possible backflow connections between the potable water supply and the sewage system, as well as purifying and chlorinating Public and private water supplies. Make sure to wash all raw vegetables and fruits properly before consuming and only use fully pasteurized milk and dairy products.
Cholera
Cholera is spread through contaminated water and poor sanitation and leads to severe dehydration, nausea, muscle aches, and diarrhea. Cholera is caused due to ingestion of fecally contaminated water and food containing the cholera bacteria. Cholera can be quite fatal depending on the quantity of inoculum ingested, and 1 in 10 people end up developing life-threatening symptoms. Backflow device installation and periodic assembly testing helps to stem the spread of Cholera and other waterborne diseases.
Giardia
This is another serious disease that is caused by parasites incontaminated water, usually in swimming pools or in town’s main supply line. Those who are exposed will experience sharp abdominal pains, diarrhea, nausea, and cramping that can last weeks.
Dysentery
Dysentery is a waterborne intestinal infection, which is spread mainly through bacteria, viruses, or parasites in food and water that has come into close contact with fecal matter. Dysentery leads to severe diarrhea and vomiting that can leave you with dehydration if bodily fluids are not replaced. To prevent dysentery, make sure to practice good hand hygiene andavoid food and drinks that are not being prepared hygienically and only eat fruits you can peel. Make sure to drink bottled/boiled water to avoid risk of inadvertently consuming contaminated water.
E.coli
If animal waste accidently back flows into the water supplied to farmlands, E.coli bacteria can be found in food sources. Not to mention, E.coli bacteria can also easily spread in areas where humans and cattle coexist. E.coli bacteria leads to dysentery and severe dehydration, and even turn into life-threatening conditions in young children or elderly. Any waterbody that has been contaminated with animal feces is harmful for human consumption. Make sure to cook meat thoroughly and wash raw fruits and vegetables well before consumption.
Salmonella
Ingesting food or water contaminated with feces also leads to salmonella. Especially young children, elderly with compromised immunity, and pregnant women are suspectable to complications from Salmonella. Salmonella causes headache, diarrhea, chills, and bloody stools. Most of the time, malfunctioning backflow preventers can cause sewage water to mix in with the potable drinking supply, sparking a bout of Salmonella and other water-borne illnesses. The best course of action is to avoid food and drink that comes from questionable sources and always prepare your food hygienically. It’s worth to mention that the DOW RO membrane is by far the best water filter RO membrane on the market
Importance of Backflow Preventers
As we have seen, drinking contaminated water can make you fatally ill, which is why it’s important to install a backflow system. Backflow preventers protect you against pollutants and parasites that could enter the system in the event of a backflow situation. These contraptions are installed at the valve to prevent non-potable water from flowing back into the primary water supply. Having backflow preventers is mandatory in most states. But always buy best quality plumbing accessories. Not to mention, yearly backflow testing and inspections ensure that all backflow devices are working as intended so as to avoid a backflow accident. These annual inspections help ensure that wastewater doesn’t flow into the city supply and protect citizens from drinking or using contaminated water.