Clean water is one of the most essential and basic elements for our healthy survival. On the other hand, contaminated water that includes dangerous bacteria, viruses, parasites, and chemical pollutants can lead to various ailments, from minor digestive problems to potentially fatal conditions.
If we look at the past, several instances, including water contamination at Camp Lejeune, can serve as important reminders that clean water is necessary to prevent health diseases.
As history goes, in the 1950s, the water at Camp Lejeune, a US Marine Corps station, got tainted with chemicals, which made its workers and their families experience various health issues, like cancers, neurological disorders, etc. Apart from serious health conditions, there are several other reasons why clean water is essential, and this blog will discuss just that. So let’s move forward and have a look at it.
1. For Disease Prevention
Contaminated water serves as the ideal habitat for pathogenic bacteria, viruses, and parasites that can infect us. It can cause diseases like cholera, typhoid, dysentery, and others. However, the danger of these diseases can be significantly decreased or even eliminated when we have access to clean water. This can be accomplished in several ways, including water purification to remove contaminants, developing effective sanitation systems, and encouraging excellent hygiene habits.
However, if you have already been affected by contaminated water, such as in the case of the Camp Lejeune water contamination incident, you might be able to get compensation for your losses. According to the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022, anyone exposed to this water for more than 30 days can file a claim and be eligible for a Camp Lejeune water settlement, with the amount depending on certain factors. It is a legal compensation program established to provide healthcare benefits to individuals who were impacted by the water contamination at Camp Lejeune.
2. For Healthy Body Weight
Clean water is a calorie-free alternative to sweetened beverages like soda, juice, coffee, or tea. Apart from having high nutritional value, drinking mineral water can be a simple yet effective ally in the struggle to control your weight. You may dramatically lower your calorie consumption by choosing clean mineral water instead of these calorie-dense drinks.
When you feel that rumble in your stomach, take a moment to drink a glass of water instead of immediately reaching for a snack – it’s all your body needs to quench your thirst and alleviate those hunger pangs. You can maintain a healthier energy balance and reduce your chance of gaining weight by substituting water for them.
3. Important For Cooking
Clean water is frequently used in cooking for different purposes like boiling, simmering, and steaming. It is essential for cooking items like pasta, grains, rice, and beans that need moisture and the right texture. These dietary staples may not cook fully or uniformly without clean water.
Besides, it also ensures that the flavors of the ingredients stand out, thereby enhancing the culinary experience.
Furthermore, clean water is used for rinsing and washing kitchenware, tools, and cutting boards before and after use. It assists in getting rid of food residues and bacteria, ensuring proper hygiene is maintained in the kitchen and cross-contamination is avoided.
4. For Psychological Well-Being
According to studies, lack of clean water impairs memory and cognitive function since the brain requires water to function. The body becomes anxious and stressed from dehydration, which triggers the adrenal glands to go into overdrive and release an excess amount of cortisol, a stress hormone, to counter perceived risk. This results in an increased heart rate, tighter muscles, and a general feeling of unease.
Moreover, without adequate water consumption, the brain is unable to synthesize serotonin from the amino acid tryptophan, which can result in imbalances that impact our emotional well-being.
5. Increase Economic Growth
Imagine prospering in luscious fields of grains, vegetables, and fruits nourished by pure water. The agricultural sector, which is the foundation of many countries, depends heavily on clean water. It completely changes the game when farmers have access to clean water for irrigation. They can cultivate crops more effectively, which results in bigger yields and better-quality produce.
In addition to ensuring food security, this abundance also provides money for farmers as they can export or sell their excess agricultural production domestically, which helps the local economy and promotes economic development in rural areas.
Furthermore, clean water benefits fisheries, aquaculture, and animal production, boosting the economic impact of the agricultural industry.
6. For Sanitation And Hygiene
A survey by UNICEF found that 2.3 billion people worldwide lack access to restrooms and other basic sanitation services. Every day, more than 1,300 children under five years pass away from illnesses brought on by contaminated water, poor sanitation, and unhygienic conditions.
Proper hygiene and sanitary practices usually include washing hands, bathing yourself, disposing trash properly, having access to restrooms and showers, and managing sewage. It assists in cleaning off dangerous bacteria from our hands and bodies, considerably lowering the risk of infections.
Additionally, it helps in doing laundry, cleaning sanitary facilities, flushing toilets, and ensuring good hygiene in restrooms, making it possible to safely dispose of garbage and sewage.
7. For Disaster Management
Disasters can have catastrophic effects on water sources and supply networks, leaving people in desperate need of clean water. Floods, hurricanes, and earthquakes can contaminate water supplies, interfere with supply chains, and increase the risk of waterborne illnesses. In all this, the provision of potable clean water is a primary concern for relief efforts.
To meet immediate hydration needs and prevent dehydration, humanitarian organizations and emergency responders work nonstop to deliver safe water to affected areas. They cleanse water using portable water treatment machines, filtration systems, and disinfection techniques to ensure it is safe to drink.
In times of crisis, it enhances general hygiene and cleanliness, reduces the incidence of secondary health problems, and aids in controlling infectious disease outbreaks.
Conclusion
Access to clean water promotes good hygiene, prevents the spread of water-borne infections, and improves both physical and mental health. It is a basic necessity to sustain life, promote good health, and ensure the welfare of both individuals and communities.
From drinking, cooking, sanitation, and hygiene to preserving ecosystems, encouraging sustainable development, and lessening the effects of climate change, it plays a vital role in ensuring a safer and healthier present and future.
