Drinking water that is suitable for consumption must meet several criteria, such as colorless, odorless, and does not contain harmful substances. It is important to know these criteria in order to avoid health problems due to consumption of improper drinking water. Roger Waters
Consuming enough drinking water every day is important to maintain a healthy body condition. This is because drinking water brings many health benefits, from preventing dehydration, maintaining normal body temperature, protecting body tissues, to maintaining healthy bones and joints.
However, pay attention to the quality of drinking water that will be consumed. This is important because consuming unsuitable water can put you at risk of disease, such as diarrhea, cholera and typhus.
In fact, you also have the opportunity to get cancer if you frequently drink water that has been exposed to chemicals.
Criteria for Consumable Drinking Water
The criteria for drinking water that is healthy and fit for consumption may vary in several countries. However, according to WHO and the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia, drinking water suitable for consumption must meet the following criteria:
1. Has no smell, color and taste
This drinking water criterion can be assessed easily by the human senses. Water that is safe and suitable for consumption is water that is colorless, odorless, and has no taste or tasteless.
You need to avoid consuming drinking water that looks not clear or cloudy, smells bad, or tastes strange, because it is a sign that the drinking water has been contaminated with germs, bacteria, or dangerous chemicals that can cause disease.
2. Do not be in high temperature
Temperature is an important measure in determining whether drinking water is suitable for consumption or not. This is because drinking water sources that are exposed to high temperatures can trigger the growth of microorganisms and make drinking water polluted.
An example is several types of Coliform bacteria that can grow and develop when drinking water is at 37°C. Meanwhile, the number of Escherichia Coli bacteria can increase in water with a temperature of 44.2°C.
3. Does not contain harmful microorganisms
Still related to the previous criteria, drinking water that is suitable for consumption does not contain microorganisms harmful to the health of the body, such as Escherichia Coli and Salmonella, which can cause diarrhea.
Although it is difficult to see it directly, you can avoid consuming drinking water that contains microorganisms by keeping drinking water sources away from toilets and garbage disposals and away from sunlight.
In addition, if you consume bottled water, make sure the drinking water has a distribution permit from BPOM, is still properly sealed, the packaging is not damaged, and is stored in a place that is not exposed to direct sunlight.
4. Does not contain harmful chemicals
In addition to microorganisms, drinking water must also not contain chemicals that are harmful to the body, such as arsenic, ammonia, benzene, lead, and mercury.
Consumption of drinking water containing harmful chemicals can increase the risk of cancer, kidney damage, disorders of the reproductive system, and mental and physical development disorders.
At first glance, the presence of hazardous chemicals in drinking water can be identified by its smell and taste. Drinking water that contains harmful chemicals, such as heavy metals, usually has a strong odor and tastes like metal.
5. Has a water pH of 6.5–8.5
Even though the pH of drinking water does not have a direct impact on the health of the body, pH is an important parameter in determining the quality of drinking water.
Water with a pH that is too low is usually more easily contaminated with pollutants that are harmful to the health of the body. Apart from that, this type of water can also cause corrosion or rust in drinking water channels, which in turn will make the water contaminated and unfit for consumption.
Meanwhile, alkaline water or alkaline water with a pH of 8 or 9 usually does not have a negative impact on health. Even so, consuming water with a pH that is too high risks causing alkalosis. This condition is usually accompanied by symptoms of nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
The criteria for drinking water that is suitable for consumption above can help you avoid diseases caused by drinking water that has been contaminated. Thus, the health of your body and your family is maintained.
Apart from drinking adequate water, you are also advised to adopt a healthy lifestyle, such as consuming nutritious food, exercising regularly, and not smoking to increase your immune system and prevent various diseases.
If you experience certain symptoms after consuming drinking water, such as nausea, vomiting, shortness of breath and diarrhea, immediately consult a doctor to get the right treatment.
0 Comments