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How to know that tap water is fit for consumption?

How to know that tap water is fit for consumption?

It is well known that regular water consumption helps the body to function properly. The amount of water we consume has a fundamental role, from the temperature control to the proper functioning of the circulatory system. However, water that is not well filtered can be harmful, increasing the risk of contamination by microorganisms rather than strengthening immunity.

Woman Drinking Water - Photo: Getty Images

Water distributed to the population by companies responsible in each city or state must follow the parameters required by Portaria 2,914 / 2011 of the Ministry of Health. Evaluations include basic control parameters such as turbidity, color, chlorine and coliforms.

However, a federal government report points out that Brazil has wasted 37 percent of all treated water in 2013. The results are from the National Sanitation Information System (SNIS) , a service linked to the Ministry of Cities. The SNIS points out as the main cause of waste the leaks in mains, networks, branches, connections and reservoirs of the service providers responsible for the supply. The lack of maintenance of these structures - as well as carelessness with private pipes and water tanks - can compromise the quality of the water that reaches consumers, in addition to generating waste. The result is simple to predict: often the tap water is not fit for consumption.

Thinking about it, we talked to experts to understand how to identify which water is fit for consumption and warn of the dangers of drinking without adequate filtration:

Odorless, colorless and tasteless

According to the infectologist Alberto Chebabo, Lavoisier Medicina Diagnóstica, the water coming out of the tap should be colorless, tasteless and odorless. This means that the drink should not have color, taste or odors.

If the water is any color other than colorless, its consumption is prohibited. "Other stains indicate that water is contaminated by bacteria or by physical or chemical contaminants such as clay, iron, etc." However, the color of the water only does not indicate that it is fit for consumption. "The water may be transparent but be contaminated," he says. In addition, the infectologist explains that the drinking water may possibly have a different coloration due to the treatment process to which it was submitted - in doubt, filter or boil.

The presence of any odor shows that this water may be contaminated by physical, chemical or bacterial agents. The infectologist points out that the odorous beverage should not be consumed even if it is colorless. "The recommendation is to filter or boil this water before ingestion if it is not possible to get bottled water," he says. Like the odor, the altered taste is a signal that the liquid is not fit for consumption. If the taste of water persists even after filtering or boiling, it is recommended to use the resource for other activity than the consumption or washing of food.

Faucet direct: green signal?

Water from water supply companies large urban centers is suitable for human consumption, with no need for a filter. "However, if cleaning and disinfection is not carried out in storage areas, such as cisterns and water tanks, contamination may occur," explains the infectious agent Alberto. Foods like fruits and vegetables are usually washed with running water and are also subject to contamination. Therefore it is important to check the hygiene of these places, ensuring that the tap water is fit for consumption.

There are several types of filters with different cleaning capabilities. Some can remove impurities and others even bacteria. The clay filter, for example, removes some impurities, but can not disinfect water contaminated with microorganisms. While modern versions generally offer greater protection. "In order to know the capacity of the filter, it is necessary to consult a specialist or to analyze the water in accredited laboratories", says the infectologist Alberto.

With an eye on the risk

Ingestion of contaminated water favors the infection by several diseases. "Typhoid fever and hepatitis A, for example, have oral-fecal transmission because of the consumption of contaminated food or water," says infectologist Alexandre Naime of the Federal University of São Paulo (Unifesp). Viral infections that cause symptoms like diarrhea and vomiting are also common consequences of ingestion of contaminated water. The recommendation, therefore, is to only consume treated water (filtered, boiled or bottled mineral).


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