Purity of drinking water mainly depends on the source of water and methods of handling it. If you have municipal water connection, there is a reasonable assurance of quality of water. As far as possible government agencies will supply only pure water to the people. In UAE, especially in Abu Dhabi and Dubai every house is connected to municipal line. Pure distilled water which comes as a by-product of power generation is distributed almost freely to the public. There is almost no chance of biological contamination in this water. There is a remote possibility of lead contamination or other impurities from old water tanks or pipe fittings in the house. Chlorine is added to water to prevent the growth of bacteria or other biological contaminants during the distribution stage. Chlorine by-products increase the risk of certain cancers if contaminated water is consumed over a period of 20 of 30 years.
In UAE you chances of biological contamination are very less. However, contamination from chemicals is possible. A good quality filter is capable of minimizing the risk of both biological and chemical contamination. Biological contaminants cause concern mainly where water comes from wells or rivers.
1. Lead or other contamination from pipe fittings: Contamination from water tanks or pipe fittings is a serious health risk. You cannot notice lead contamination by simple observation. Water could look clear and taste normal. But if the pipe fittings are old there is possibility of contamination. The best solution is to use a good water filter.
2. Chlorine: Chlorine is not a very serious health threat, though bottled water companies blame it for every known disease under the sun. However if chlorine reacts with other organic materials it could produce harmful substances commonly called disinfection by-products (DBPs). If you pour the water into a container and keep it for some time, most of the chlorine will just disappear. Chlorine causes poor taste of water. A good filter will help you avoid all such problems.
3. Protozoans: These are one celled organisms in dormant cyst stage. They are resistant to chlorine treatment. They are found universally in surface water. They cause gastrointestinal disease.
4. Bacteria: They are responsible for diseases such as cholera (caused by vibrio cholera) and typhoid (caused by Salmonella typhi). E-coli is another common bacteria entering water supply from human or animal waste. Chlorination of water is an effective method of killing bacteria.
5. Virus: Viruses are the smallest of all the microorganisms. They are responsible for several diseases. Chlorine can kill most viruses.
(Different filters, their functions and limitations are discussed in another article. Pl. check the index)
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