Contaminated water is impure water:
It may contain micro-organisms, chemicals,
industrial or domestic waste. They reduce water
quality and make the water unfit for human
consumption. The main diseases associated
with contaminated water are: diarrhoea,
typhoid, parasitic infections and cholera.
Water can be contaminated at any time
between the moment when it is taken from
the source and when you drink it. Often the
source is clean, but the water is put into a
dirty container. Microbes can get into the
water from dirty hands or when a container
is left uncovered.
• Protect water sources by not throwing
waste into water.
• Carry water in clean containers with an
adequate lid.
• Collect rainwater in clean containers: this is
the best source of water for watering plants.
7.3 Dangers of contaminated water
