Monsoon ups risk of typhoid, diarrhoea, malaria: Tips to stay safe from water-borne diseases

Dr Abhay Kumar

The pitter-patter of rains seems like a breather from the unbearable wave of heat. Although monsoons are a pleasant change, one cannot overlook the host of seasonal diseases that rains bring along with them. Every year, one witnesses a spurt of water-borne diseases due to stagnant rain water. Moreover, with a surge in new-age water contaminants, diseases such as typhoid, gastroenteritis, food poisoning, diarrhoea, malaria and dengue are on the rise especially during this season.

Although we know that water plays a pivotal role in maintaining the equilibrium and sanctity of the human body, there is still a lack of attention towards this basic and most important ingredient. Also, people lack awareness about the right water purification technologies that are available in the market.


Listed below are simple yet effective tips that one can take to evade a spate of diseases that strike people during this season.

Get the water quality tested
People assume that there is one single technology that can solve all water problems. However, in reality there are 21 different kinds of water conditions across India and hence it is important to understand the water quality and decide on the purification technology accordingly. Ask a water expert to suggest the water-purification technology best suited for the water you get; a wrong purification technology will not be able to purify contaminated water.

Drinking boiled water alone is not sufficient
While boiling water is effective in removing water-borne bacteria and viruses, it has no effect on chlorine content and cysts, nor does it remove turbidity and organic and inorganic impurities. Since the chances of water contamination is high during monsoons, choose a water purifier that has the ability to remove new-age contaminants. There is a range of superior water solutions which magnetise and decluster water molecules and unlock the essential nutrients in water for better absorption, thereby helping energise, activate, cleanse and detoxify the body.

Repair leakages
Find and fix any leaks in your home, especially plumbing fixtures, as mould grows on any organic material that’s been wet for more than 72 hours, triggering respiratory illness and allergies. If you find moisture, fix the problem immediately. Also, it is important to remember not to allow any kind of water to stagnate inside the house as it can become a breeding ground for mosquitoes and can greatly affect the health of your little ones.

RO systems
A lot of people assume that RO is the best and the latest technology. Research validates that if one uses RO water purification in areas where it is not required, then it leads not only to ‘demineralised water’ but also adds to water wastage. Reverse osmosis is meant to remove high TDS (salt content), certain heavy metals and contaminants which are found in only in a few locations, not all.

Check for the colour of the water
Water is colourless generally. So if the water which you’re getting from your tap has a yellow or orange tinge or the water is turbid it means that it is contaminated.

Ensure that the packaged drinking water you buy has a safety seal.

Service your existing water purifiers regularly to keep the filters clean.

With the adoption of these simple tips, one can strengthen his/her immunity system to battle against the deadly water-borne diseases during monsoons. This is a sureshot way of bringing healthy changes into one's life.

(The writer is Chief Scientific Officer at Eureka Forbes Institute of Environment)