How do I know if I drank contaminated water?

How do I know if I drank contaminated water?

Signs/Symptoms of Drinking Contaminated Water

1. Gastrointestinal Problems.
2. Diarrhea.
3. Nausea.
4. Intestinal or Stomach Cramping.
5. Intestinal or Stomach Aches and Pains.
6. Dehydration.
7. Death.

What happens if I drink the contaminated water?

If drinking water contains unsafe levels of contaminants, it can cause health effects, such as gastrointestinal illnesses, nervous system or reproductive effects, and chronic diseases such as cancer.

What is the most common symptom of drinking contaminated water?

Waterborne illnesses can cause a variety of symptoms. While diarrhea and vomiting are the most commonly reported symptoms of waterborne illness, other symptoms can include skin, ear, respiratory, or eye problems.

How do you test for contaminated water?

Often county health departments will help you test for bacteria or nitrates. If not, you can have your water tested by a state certified laboratory. You can find one in your area by calling the Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 800-426-4791 or visiting www.epa.gov/safewater/labs.

How can you tell if water is clean?

If not, you can have your water tested by a state certified laboratory. You can find one in your area by calling the Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 800-426-4791 or visiting www.epa.gov/safewater/labs. Most testing laboratories or services supply their own sample containers.

Can you get sick from drinking well water?

Health Risks Symptoms include diarrhea, vomiting, cramps, nausea, headaches, fever, fatigue, and even death sometimes. Infants, children, elderly people, and people with weakened immune systems are more likely to get sick or die from disease-causing microorganisms in drinking water.

How can I test my drinking water at home?

Water quality test strips

1. Fill a test container with a water sample, dip a test strip in, swirl the container, and wait a few minutes with the test strip resting in the water sample.
2. Take the strip out of the water and compare the color changes on the test strip to a color chart included in the kit.