Why Safe Drinking Water is Essential to Maintaining Good Health

Jesus Christ has promised, “Whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst” (John 4:14). The water Christ offers is His teachings, which can sustain us spiritually and prepare us for eternal life. Similarly, water is crucial to our physical well-being and is essential to sustaining physical life. Safe drinking water keeps our bodies healthy and helps them work properly.

Why is safe drinking water essential to good health?

Our bodies need water for everything we do. As such, it is important that we drink plenty of fluids, especially when temperatures are high. We should consume at least two liters of water each day when possible. However, not all water is safe to drink. Unclean water can cause disease.

Symptoms of diseases caused by waterborne bacteria:

• Diarrhea
• Dehydration
• Stomach pain

Common waterborne diseases:

• Typhoid fever
• Cholera
• Giardia
• Dysentery
• E Coli
• Hepatitis A
• Salmonella

Left untreated, these diseases can be dangerous and, in some cases, lead to death. If you think your drinking water has caused illness in your family, be sure to consult a medical professional.

Is it ever safe to use unclean water?

It is important to use clean water for anything that goes into our mouth or touches our food. We should use clean water for brushing our teeth, making juice or infant formula, washing fruits and vegetables, and cleaning dishes. We should also use clean water when bathing and washing our hands.

How does water become unclean?

Water can become contaminated with pollutants, toxins, contaminants, and more. Water can also become unclean if it is kept in unsanitary containers or if it is not stored properly. Unclean water, including that found in unclean sources, should always be purified before being consumed.

How do I know if water is clean?

The best way to ensure that water is clean is to use water sources and water systems that are proved to be safe — example, safe bottled water or safe well water.

Bottled water

Bottled water is usually safe if the seal on the lid has not been broken. Bottled water is unsafe if the bottle has been refilled with unclean water.

Well water

Well water is usually safe if the well:

• Is deep, covered, and cleaned often.
• Does not have any damage or leaks.

How do I purify unclean water?

Water can be purified through filtering, boiling, and disinfecting. Purification is generally a two-step process and will make water safe to use.

Step 1: Clarifying water 

Cloudy or dirty water must first be made clear. It should be passed through filter paper, fine cloth, or some other filter. You can also allow the dirt to settle, then carefully draw the clear water on top. Filtered or clear settled water should always be disinfected before use.

Step 2: Disinfecting water 

• Boiling method: Bringing water to a rolling boil for three to five minutes will kill most water-borne microorganisms. A higher elevation requires longer boiling. However, prolonged boiling of small quantities of water may concentrate toxic contaminants if present.
• Bleach method: Adding eight drops of fresh liquid household chlorine bleach (5 percent to 9 percent sodium hypochlorite) to every four liters (one gallon) of water will kill most microorganisms. Only use household bleach without thickeners, scents, or additives. The use of bleach does not address toxic contamination.
• Water filters: Some commercial water filters can effectively filter and purify water contaminated with microorganisms, toxic chemicals, and heavy metals. Their effectiveness depends on design, condition, and proper use.

How should I store water to help it stay pure?

Add water to clean containers, then do the following:

• Seal the containers tightly
• Add the date
• Store in a cool, dark place

Since many containers are clear and light can permeate them, you may want to cover them or store them in dark plastic bags. Some containers may also require protection from freezing: If using bottled water purchased from a store, use the “best if used by” dates as a rotation guideline. Otherwise, replace water every six months.

How can I help others access safe drinking water?

Ministering brothers and sisters, as well as leaders, can help those they serve access safe clean water. Consider the following recommendations.

Ministering Brothers and Sisters

• Learn and share local sources of clean water and methods for treating water.
• If a home environment shows signs of unsafe drinking water, counsel with the elder’s quorum and Relief Society presidencies.

Local Leaders

• Raise awareness about the importance of safe drinking water.
• Work with community leaders to identify or develop sources of clean water. Then let families know about these sources.
• Share practical instructions for ways to purify water. One way of doing this is to hold classes to teach signs of unsafe drinking water, methods to purify water, and proper storage of clean water.
• If a family is unable to access clean water, consider how to help with immediate needs. Also, work with them to find a longer-term solution.
• Work with your welfare and self-reliance manager (WSRM), who can help to develop clean-water solutions. WSRMs can also provide support through partnering with agencies and nongovernmental organizations to help address local water needs.