What are common myths about water purification?
Written by
Gina Mason
Reviewed by
Prof. William Dalton, Ph.D.The myths surrounding water purification create a dangerous false sense of security about the safety of drinking water. These misconceptions lead to drinking contaminated water with serious consequences to health. As a public health consultant, I have witnessed these myths result in preventable disease. Knowing the truth will protect families from water-borne disease.
The fallacy of clear water safety is most alarming. Clear water is not necessarily pure. Readily observable in clear water are dangerous germs and chemical contaminants, which are not known until they have been tested. Natural springs and mountain streams generally contain animal excrement and parasites. Water should always be purified, regardless of its appearance, if possible, to safeguard against cholera or giardiasis.
Freezing fallacies fail to grasp pathogens' biology. Low temperatures preserve organisms rather than kill them. Bacteria and viruses are inactive until thawed, when they continue their infective prowess. This is of no benefit whatsoever toward purification. On winter camping trips, I always boil the water after it has been thawed, to be on the safe side.
Verification Practices
- Test water sources regularly with certified kits
- Research purification method certifications before use
- Consult public health authorities about local risks
Education Resources
- Study CDC water safety guidelines annually
- Attend community water safety workshops
- Bookmark EPA contamination databases
Safety Implementation
- Use NSF-certified purification systems exclusively
- Combine methods like filtration and disinfection
- Maintain skepticism toward natural remedy claims
There are chemical myths that are particularly dangerous when it comes to household chemicals. Pool chemicals, reduced to sodium cyanuric and sulfuric acid, are poisonous to drink. If drinking water is treated with them, poisoning results, which may cause organ damage. Only California State-certified drinking water treatment plants should be used. I have treated patients who have inadvertently used pool chlorine in their drinking water and have gotten severe gastrointestinal tract damage due to the treatment with acid and chlorine.
Establish fact-based purification practices early and consistently. Check filter certifications regarding specific contaminant removal. Use boiling or chemical disinfection to remove biological threats. Test the water after treatment if possible. Regularly following these routines will help you avoid myth-based decisions. Implement fact-based purification techniques today.
Read the full article: 9 Effective Ways to Purify Water at Home
