Do you think that purer water is better for health, that clear water is clean, or that boiled water is absolutely safe? That’s not correct.
Common Misconceptions:
Boiling water is clean: Boiling water only helps eliminate bacteria present in the water, but it does not remove certain compounds of heavy metals like lead, mercury, or acidic compounds like nitrite (NO2). Conversely, if these substances are already in the water, boiling can lead to the evaporation of water, increasing the concentration of toxins, thereby raising the risk of poisoning.
Clear water is clean water: This belief is even more detrimental. Clarity is merely a perception. Water can be clear yet still contain numerous impurities such as bacteria, heavy metal compounds, or dissolved organic compounds that are invisible to the naked eye, all of which can harm health.
Tap water is clean water: This is only relatively true compared to water from ponds, lakes, rivers, or streams. To disinfect tap water, chemicals must be used, which can react with certain organic compounds to become harmful to the body. The process of transporting water from treatment plants to households can also result in leaks, causing contamination.
The purer the water, the better: Pure water, by definition, does not contain disease-causing pollutants but also lacks essential trace minerals needed by humans. Therefore, it cannot be considered a good water source due to the absence of trace minerals.
Water Sources Are Not Infinite
Water covers three-quarters of the Earth’s surface, so we often say “as abundant as water.” However, only about 1% of it is clean water for human use, while 27% is saline and approximately 2% is frozen.
All the water on Earth is “recycled” in a continuous cycle; there is no new source of “fresh” water. We are still using the same water that has been recycled for millions of years.
Water can be contaminated with pathogenic bacteria, algae, mold, suspended particles, and colloids. It can also contain heavy metals and toxic elements that exist in dissolved ionic forms such as lead, iron, arsenic, mercury, and chemicals found in pesticides.
Chlorinated water has a distinct disinfectant smell reminiscent of swimming pools.
Iron-contaminated water has an unpleasant metallic odor and will turn yellow when exposed to air due to the precipitation of Fe3O4. However, some sources of iron-contaminated water may not change color because the iron combines with organic compounds, forming stable complexes that do not precipitate.
If contaminated with manganese, the surface of the water may have a black film that clings to water containers. This black film is caused by oxidized Mn2+ forming Mn2O3.
Water contaminated with calcium and magnesium will leave deposits at the bottom of kettles and containers.
