The Relationship between Water Quality and Health Expenses
July 26, 2024
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As we know, water is very important and it plays a critical role in our health and well-being. However, despite water quality being crucial, it might not be the first thing that we consider when we think about health expenses. The quality of water we consume can be detrimental to our healthcare costs. There are several layers to understanding the intricate relationship between water quality and health expenses.
Metals: Dissolved minerals such as lead, arsenic, and nitrates can have long-term health effects, including cancer and developmental issues. For example, the Flint, Michigan water crisis raised awareness of the risks of lead in drinking water, causing a surge in health issues among residents and a significant rise in healthcare costs.
Pesticides and Industrial Chemicals: Pesticides and industrial chemicals can get into water supplies through agricultural runoff or industrial discharges. Areas that rely on groundwater are susceptible to pesticide contamination, resulting in higher incidences of related health problems.
Turbidity: The United States Geological Survey (USGS) defines turbidity as “the measure of relative quality of a liquid.” In simpler terms, turbidity is basically how clear water is. The clarity of water is a key aspect in determining how safe it is. Turbid water typically contains particles such as algae, sand or clay, and other pollutants, making it a potential health risk if used for drinking without adequate treatment. Increased turbidity can clog filters in water treatment plants, leading to higher operational costs and maintenance. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standard for drinking water turbidity is less than 1 Nephelometric Turbidity Unit (NTU).
Color: High turbidity can inadvertently result in discolored water. Color affects the aesthetic appeal of water, making it unpalatable or undesirable for domestic use, especially drinking. The EPA suggests a maximum color level of 15 color units for drinking water.
Taste and Odor: The causes of turbidity and discoloration in water mentioned above, can affect its taste and odor. Unpleasant taste and odor can render water unacceptable for drinking. This can indicate certain types of contamination, such as rotten egg smell, indicating hydrogen sulfide. The EPA has set secondary standards for taste and odor, advising that water should not have an objectionable taste or odor detectable by consumers.
3. Microbial Contaminants
Bacteria: Pathogenic bacteria such as Escherichia coli (E.coli), and Salmonella can cause diarrhea, fever, and abdominal pain. Sources of these pathogens include agricultural runoff and sewage discharge.
Viruses: Viruses like norovirus and rotavirus can be transmitted through contaminated water. They can cause the stomach flu leading to severe dehydration.
Fungi: Fungi can be present in water systems through airborne spores or decaying organic matter. Harmful species can cause respiratory or skin and mouth infections.
The health impacts of consuming contaminated or poor-quality water are extensive and can lead to both acute and chronic health conditions;
Understanding Water Quality
A few factors determine the quality of water, including its chemical contaminants, physical characteristics, and microbial contaminants.
1. Chemical Contaminants
2. Physical Characteristics
3. Microbial Contaminants 
- Waterborne Diseases: Consuming water contaminated with pathogens can lead to acute illnesses such as diarrhea, vomiting, and stomach cramps. In severe cases, diseases like cholera and typhoid can be life-threatening and require extensive medical treatment.
- Chronic Conditions: Long-term exposure to contaminated water can lead to chronic conditions such as cancer, neurological disorders, and reproductive issues. For example, prolonged exposure to arsenic in drinking water has been linked to skin, bladder, and lung cancers.
- Dental and Bone Issues: Excess fluoride in water can cause dental fluorosis (discoloration and teeth damage) and skeletal fluorosis (joint pain and bone damage).
Financial Burden of Poor Water Quality
Poor water quality not only impacts health but also inflicts significant financial strains.1. Direct Medical Costs:
- Treatment for Waterborne Illnesses: Hospital visits, medications, and long-term treatments for illnesses caused by contaminants.
- Chronic Health Conditions: Ongoing medical care for conditions such as cancer, neurological disorders, and organ damage due to chemical exposures.
2. Indirect Costs:
- Loss of Productivity: Illnesses can lead to missed workdays and decreased productivity.
- Household Expenses: Purchasing water filters, or installing home water treatment systems can be very expensive.
Reducing Health Expenses through Improved Water Quality
Here are some effective measures you can invest in to help improve your water quality and simultaneously reduce health expenses.- Water Filtration Systems: Installing water filters can remove contaminants and improve the safety of drinking water. Various options are available, from simple activated carbon filters to advanced reverse osmosis systems.
- Regular Water Testing: Regularly testing water quality can help detect contaminants early and prevent possible health issues.