Clean and safe drinking water is a fundamental necessity for every community. It’s essential for maintaining public health, promoting hygiene, and sustaining life itself. When the quality of your local water supply becomes compromised, it’s important to take action.
The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that globally, around two billion people consume contaminated water. This problem is more common in poor and underdeveloped countries. However, it seems that this water contamination problem is becoming prevalent in developed countries as well.
Take the US as an example here. The United States Geological Survey estimates that around 45 percent of the country’s tap water is contaminated. If the US is having to deal with such a problem, it’s hard to imagine how bad the situation might be in underdeveloped countries.
All that being said, the priority for everyone right now is to stay safe and vigilant when it comes to using water. For that, you must be on the lookout for certain signs of water contamination in your local water supply. Upon identification of such signs, you then have to reach out to your local authorities to take necessary action.
Let us now try to understand these signs, what they mean, and why it’s important to alert local authorities regarding them.
Changes in Taste, Odor, or Color
The most noticeable signs that something might be wrong with your local water supply are changes in its taste, odor, or color. Typically, tap water should be clear and colorless, without any discernible odor or unpleasant taste. If you start noticing an unusual smell, taste, or color change, it could indicate the presence of contaminants. These changes might stem from issues like algae blooms, high levels of minerals, or chemical pollutants.
When such changes occur, it’s crucial to contact your local water authorities and report the issue. They can then investigate the cause and take corrective measures to restore the water quality.
Unexplained Health Issues
If you or your family members start experiencing unexplained health issues that seem to be linked to water consumption, it’s time to take action. Health problems such as gastrointestinal issues, skin irritations, or even more serious conditions could arise from contaminated water. Also, as witnessed in the Camp Lejeune incident, contaminated water can lead to cancer.
According to TorHoerman Law, between 1953 and 1987, the Camp Lejeune water supply was contaminated with toxic chemicals. It was later discovered that many Camp Lejeune residents of that time ended up developing various types of cancers. These cancers were directly linked to the Camp Lejeune water contamination incident.
It’s estimated that the payout for Camp Lejeune settlements will reach around $6.1 billion. Such a high settlement payout indicates just how many Camp Lejeune victims there are and just how scary the situation was.
Of course, not all health problems are directly linked to water quality. However, widespread sudden and unusual health symptoms that multiple individuals in your community are experiencing might indicate an underlying issue.
Keep track of any symptoms and consult medical professionals. If your healthcare provider suspects waterborne illnesses, be sure to report it to the authorities responsible for water quality.
Fluctuating Water Pressure and Supply Interruptions
Consistent water pressure and uninterrupted supply are crucial for everyday tasks like cooking, cleaning, and personal hygiene. If you start noticing fluctuations in water pressure or frequent supply interruptions, it could indicate problems in the local water distribution system. This might be caused by aging infrastructure, leaks, or maintenance issues.
While occasional disruptions are normal, persistent problems can lead to increased risks of contamination, especially if the system is compromised. If your water pressure is consistently low or if you’re experiencing frequent water outages, alert the authorities and request an investigation into its causes.
Increase in Waterborne Diseases
According to the CDC, waterborne disease in the US leads to 7,000 deaths. These diseases also lead to over 100,000 hospitalizations and 7 million illnesses.
A sudden increase in waterborne diseases within your community is a clear red flag that the water supply might be compromised. Waterborne diseases like cholera, giardiasis, and cryptosporidiosis are often caused by the presence of pathogens in water sources. If there’s a rise in these illnesses, it could indicate that the water treatment processes are inadequate or that the distribution system is contaminated.
Monitoring local health reports and staying informed about disease outbreaks can help you identify any patterns and trends related to water quality issues. If you suspect a link between waterborne diseases and your local water supply, contact the appropriate authorities and advocate for a thorough investigation.
Environmental Changes and Pollution Sources
Environmental changes can also impact the quality of your local water supply. If you notice nearby construction, industrial activity, or other developments that might release pollutants into water sources, it’s important to be vigilant.
Runoff from construction sites, improper disposal of hazardous materials, and industrial pollution can all contribute to water contamination. If you see any activities that could potentially affect the water supply, report them to the relevant authorities. They can assess the situation, enforce regulations, and ensure that proper measures are taken to prevent pollution and protect the community’s water resources.
Conclusion
A lack of safe water for drinking and other daily necessities can lead to serious consequences. Thus, if you notice any of the signs discussed above, immediately get in touch with your local authorities. Be it your local government or water resource control board, alert them of these signs. Advocating for urgent action in these regards is a must if you want to ensure the health and safety of your local community.
We will be glad to hear you enjoyed your experience with us. We would be happy if you would consider leaving a review on Trustpilot so we can continue providing excellent service to you in the future.