Health Hazards of Water Contamination: Diarrhoea, Cholera & More

What Is Water Contamination and Why Is It a Serious Health Risk?

Water contamination refers to the presence of life-threatening contaminants, such as microbes, chemicals, or other waste products, in water. Recent data suggests that safe tap water can avert almost 400,000 deaths from diseases such as diarrhoea ¹.

Here are some of the reasons that make contaminated water a serious health hazard:

• When water has microbes such as bacteria, viruses or parasites, those agents can enter your body and attack the gut, leading to diarrhoea that causes rapid fluid loss and dehydration. It can be life-threatening if untreated, especially in infants and older adults.
• Contaminated water is a primary vector for serious diseases such as cholera and typhoid. These illnesses can produce severe symptoms and complications that may require urgent medical help or hospital care.
• Water that has chemical pollutants, such as nitrates or heavy metals, can harm vital organs and affect the nervous system over time. Long-term exposure contributes to health burdens that are not always obvious at first.
• People with compromised immune systems, children, and the elderly are at higher risk of adverse outcomes from contaminated water because their bodies cannot fight infections as effectively as healthy adults.

Health Hazards of Contaminated Water on Human Health

The overall effects of water contamination are multifaceted and have profound implications for human health. Moreover, symptoms can range from mild to severe, and pathogens, along with heavy metals, are among the contaminants that lead to such hazards.

Here are some of the health hazards when it comes to water contamination:

Gastrointestinal Diseases

Waterborne diseases cause severe gastrointestinal infections and include symptoms such as diarrhoea, nausea, dehydration, and vomiting. In some cases, it can be life-threatening and lead to serious health complications, such as gastric ulcer, and children are prone to such diseases.

Skin and Eye Irritation

Contaminated water leads to conditions such as itching, skin reactions, and other allergies. Polluted water sources and contamination of water bodies, such as rivers and lakes, can lead to skin infections and inflamed eyes.

Respiratory Problems

Polluted waters release harmful fumes and airborne toxins that negatively impact respiratory systems. Moreover, inhalation of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and microbial pathogens also leads to lung infections, asthma, and chronic bronchitis.

Neurological Disorders

Chronic exposure to heavy metals such as lead, mercury, and arsenic causes profound neurological implications. Toxins that accumulate in the nervous system can cause memory loss, impaired thinking, and other cognitive impairments. Delayed development functions are also a common phenomenon among such individuals, with profound risks of neurodegenerative disorders.

Reproductive Health Issues

Industrial pollutants mainly cause water contamination, and their presence can cause hormonal imbalances, along with disorders and pregnancy issues. Increased exposure also leads to risks in sterility, miscarriage, and fertility issues.

Compromised Immunity

Recurrent exposure to contaminated water, bacteria, parasites, and other toxic chemicals reduces the efficacy of the internal immune system. Exposure to other diseases, such as autoimmune disorders and chronic illnesses, also compromises overall immunity.

Let’s now understand what is diarrhoea and why water pollution is a critical factor in this condition.

Diarrhoea Caused by Unsafe Water

Contaminated water leads to diarrhoea and related water pollution diseases in India, where research shows about 829,000 deaths worldwide each year from diarrhoea, dysentery and typhoid ². Water contamination plays a key role in this burden because harmful microbes spread rapidly through supplied water.

Diarrhoea remains one of the most common waterborne diseases when you consume contaminated water from unsafe sources. This condition can lead to severe fluid loss and weakness, requiring urgent care for dehydration and electrolyte loss. A situation where a visit to the best gastroenterologist in Kolkata can make a difference in early recovery.

Case Study: Indore Water Contamination and Diarrhoea Outbreak

In Indore’s Bhagirathpura are

a, contaminated drinking water led to an acute outbreak of diarrhoea when sewage seeped into the main piped water supply, prompting a significant public health response. During an ongoing survey of more than 9,400 residents, officials detected 20 new diarrhoea cases linked to unsafe water, and 142 people were undergoing treatment in hospitals at the time of the report ³.

There are at least six confirmed deaths due to the contaminated water. However, local estimates suggest the toll may be higher as families continue to report further fatalities.

Cholera Linked to Water Contamination

Cholera is a severe bacterial infection that spreads through Water contamination when sewage enters potable water and food. You may notice sudden loose stools, vomiting, leg cramps, and rapid fluid loss, which can place your life at risk within hours if care does not start early. You can reduce your risk of cholera by using safe water, washing your hands with soap, maintaining clean food-handling practices, and seeking early medical care at the first sign of illness.

When to Consult a Doctor for Waterborne Illnesses

You should seek medical care when symptoms after unsafe water exposure persist beyond one day or worsen quickly, as care can prevent dehydration and complications. Children, pregnant women, and individuals with chronic diseases require prompt assessment because their risk of adverse outcomes remains higher after water exposure. In such cases, consultation with the best medicine doctor in Kolkata at Eskag Sanjeevani Hospitals supports evaluation, fluid correction, and treatment guided by clinical results.

Why Choose Eskag Sanjeevani for Your Health Concerns

Eskag Sanjeevani Hospitals offers trusted medical care with a strong focus on patient safety, timely diagnosis, and evidence-based treatment across key clinical departments. You have access to experienced doctors and modern diagnostic support that address acute illness and long-term health needs. The hospitals follow standard clinical protocols for infection control, hydration management, and disease evaluation, which support safe outcomes during waterborne illness concerns.