Water is often called the elixir of life because every system in the body depends on it for normal functioning. No human being can survive for more than a few days without water, which shows how essential safe and clean drinking water is for health and survival. Purified water not only quenches thirst but also prevents many diseases caused by contamination and pollution.
Basic Facts About Water
- About 60% of the human body is made up of water.
- Water travels throughout the body carrying nutrients, oxygen and wastes to and from cells and organs.
- It helps regulate body temperature, especially in hot climates like most parts of India.
- Water cushions joints and protects tissues and organs from shock and damage.
Importance of Drinking Enough Water
Water performs many vital functions in day-to-day life.
- Every cell of the body requires water for proper functioning.
- Water acts as a lubricant in joints, mouth, throat, eyes and digestive tract through saliva and mucus.
- It aids digestion, absorption of food and removal of wastes through urine, sweat and stool.
- Sufficient water intake supports healthy body weight and energy levels.
Health experts generally recommend around 11–16 cups (2.7–3.7 litres) of fluids per day for healthy adults, including water from drinks and foods. In hot weather or during physical work, even more water may be needed to prevent dehydration and heat stroke.
Daily Water Loss and Hydration Tips
- The body loses 8–12 cups of water every day through sweat, urine and breathing.
- Do not wait until you feel thirsty, as thirst is already a sign of mild dehydration.
- Drink water regularly throughout the day, especially:
- Before going outdoors in the heat
- During exercise or physical work
- When you have fever, vomiting or diarrhoea
Common advice such as at least 8–10 cups of water a day is a simple minimum guideline, but many adults may need more depending on age, climate, work and health conditions.
Health Benefits of Adequate Water
Proper hydration helps prevent or reduce the risk of many health problems.
- It prevents constipation by softening stool and supporting bowel movement.
- It reduces the risk of kidney stones by diluting minerals in urine.
- It helps prevent urinary tract infections by flushing bacteria out of the urinary system.
- It may reduce exercise-induced asthma by keeping airways moist.
- It supports normal blood pressure and helps prevent hypertension.
Nutrients Present in Drinking Water
Many natural waters contain essential minerals that support body functions.
- Calcium – supports bone and teeth health
- Magnesium – helps muscles and nerves work properly
- Potassium – important for heart and muscle function
- Sodium and chloride – maintain fluid and electrolyte balance
- Fluoride – helps protect teeth from decay in small amounts
These minerals contribute to taste and health benefits, which is why extremely low-mineral (very low TDS) water may taste flat.
TDS Levels and Suitability of Drinking Water
TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) is measured in mg/L or ppm and indicates the amount of dissolved salts and minerals in water.
| TDS (ppm) | General suitability for drinking |
| Less than 100 | Very low minerals; may taste flat. |
| 100–250 | Generally good and pleasant for drinking. |
| 250–500 | Acceptable but may start to taste salty; long-term use not ideal. |
| Above 500 | Usually not recommended for drinking; may indicate high salinity or contamination. |
National and international guidelines often consider TDS up to about 300 mg/L as ideal and up to 500–600 mg/L as acceptable for drinking if there are no harmful contaminants.
Water Crisis and Present Condition in India
India faces serious water stress due to growing population, pollution and overuse of groundwater.
- India has about 18% of the world’s population but only around 4% of global freshwater resources.
- Nearly 600 million people in India face high to extreme water stress according to NITI Aayog’s Composite Water Management Index.
- Around 70% of India’s water is estimated to be contaminated, making safe and purified drinking water a major concern.
This situation makes household water treatment very important, especially in areas that depend on borewell water or polluted surface water.
Major Sources of Water Pollution
Contamination of water occurs from many human and natural activities.
- Sewage and untreated domestic wastewater
- Agricultural runoff containing fertilizers and pesticides
- Oil spills and leakage from vehicles and industries
- Radioactive substances from industrial or medical use
- River and marine dumping of solid waste and plastics
These pollutants can introduce harmful microorganisms, heavy metals, chemicals and toxins into water supplies, causing diseases and long-term health problems.
Effect of Weather and Climate on Water
Weather and climate conditions also affect water quality.
- Heavy rains cause stormwater runoff, which washes soil, chemicals and waste into rivers, lakes and ponds.
- Erosion and sedimentation increase turbidity (muddy appearance) and reduce light penetration, affecting aquatic life.
- Warm temperatures and nutrient-rich water can lead to harmful algal blooms that produce toxins dangerous to humans and animals.
Problems with Borewell Water
Borewell water is common in many Indian villages and towns but often has quality issues.
- Dirty or turbid water due to sand and soil particles entering the bore.
- Sand dumping and silt accumulation can damage pumps and pipes.
- High TDS, hardness, iron, fluoride or nitrate levels may make borewell water unsafe without treatment.
Regular testing and appropriate treatment (such as filtration, RO or softening) are necessary when using borewell water for drinking.
Common Impurities Found in Water
Water may look clear but still contain invisible impurities.
- Microorganisms: bacteria, viruses, protozoa and parasites
- Pyrogens: substances from microorganisms that can cause fever
- Dissolved inorganic ions: calcium, magnesium, nitrate, fluoride, arsenic etc.
- Dissolved organic compounds: pesticides, industrial chemicals, natural organic matter
- Dissolved gases: chlorine, carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulfide
- Suspended and colloidal particles: clay, silt, rust and other fine particles
Many of these contaminants can cause diarrhoea, cholera, typhoid, hepatitis and long-term problems like cancer, bone disease or kidney damage.
Methods to Remove Contaminants
Water Purification and Reverse Osmosis
- Reverse Osmosis (RO) forces water through a semi-permeable membrane to remove about 95–99% of dissolved salts, heavy metals, microorganisms and many chemicals.
- RO can remove dissolved organic and ionic impurities along with bacteria and pyrogens, giving very low TDS water.
- Because RO also removes beneficial minerals, some modern systems add minerals back or allow partial blending of raw water.
Besides RO, other purification methods (sediment filters, activated carbon, UV, UF) are used in combination to improve taste and safety.
Simple Ways to Get Pure Water at Home
Different methods are suitable depending on water source, contamination level, cost and convenience.
- Boiling: Kills most bacteria, viruses and parasites; does not remove chemicals or salts.
- Household water purifiers: Usually combine filters, carbon, UV or RO to improve both safety and taste.
- Reverse osmosis: Effective for high TDS, heavy metals and many chemicals.
- Chlorination: Adding chlorine or bleaching powder kills microorganisms but must be done with correct dosage and contact time.
- Distillation: Boils water and condenses the steam; gives very pure water but uses more energy.
- Iodine tablets or drops: Useful in emergencies and for travellers; mainly disinfects biological contaminants.
- Solar disinfection (SODIS): Sunlight in transparent bottles can kill many microorganisms when exposed for several hours.
- UV radiation: UV lamps in purifiers destroy bacteria and viruses without chemicals.
- Ultrafiltration (UF): Membrane that removes many pathogens and particles but not dissolved salts.
- Desalination: Used mainly in coastal or water-scarce areas to convert seawater into drinking water, usually with RO or distillation.
For households using borewell or polluted surface water, a combination of sediment filter, carbon filter, RO and UV/UF often provides safer drinking water.
Conclusion
Purified water is essential for maintaining good health, preventing disease and ensuring proper functioning of every organ in the body. Rising water pollution and water stress in India make it necessary for families to understand water quality, test their water regularly and adopt suitable purification methods at home. By using safe and reliable treatment methods, communities can protect themselves from water-borne diseases and enjoy better overall health and quality of life.
