Why Clear Drinking Glass Of Water Is Not Always Safe And What It’s Doing To Your Body; Know From Expert

Interestingly, people have considered sparkling water to be pure and pure enough to quench their thirst. Yet, according to doctors, water clarity can often prove hazardous to our health. There can be unseen waters like bacteria, viruses, toxic heavy metals like lead or arsenic and microscopic organisms unseen to our naked eyes. These get filtered or purified through normal purification techniques, but thrive successfully even when they are present in pristine water. Over time, the liver and kidneys get saturated with these toxins, making people develop chronic ailments like chronic fatigue, gastrointestinal disorders and hormonal imbalance.

Across many parts of India, groundwater that appears perfectly clean carries contaminants that the body absorbs little by little. The danger is not immediate illness, but long-term damage that builds silently over the years. In conversation with The Daily Jagran, Dr Anil Kumar, Chief Water Scientist, Eureka Forbes, shares how clear drinking water is not always safe and the harm it can do to the body.

What Is Actually In The Water

Arsenic, iron, uranium, fluoride and nitrates often show up in groundwater across the country. Dr Anil Kumar states, “While nitrates enter water from fertilisers and sewage, fluoride and arsenic seep in naturally from certain rock formations, and uranium is released into groundwater when water levels fall too deep due to over-extraction and geological conditions.” However, none of these changes the appearance or taste of water, due to which families continue to drink it without realising they are actually consuming is nothing but slow poison.

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How Contaminated Water Affects Everyday Health

The impact of contaminated water is easily overlooked. High nitrate levels can reduce the blood’s ability to carry oxygen, which is especially dangerous for infants. Dr Anil Kumar explains, “Excess fluoride first shows up as dental stains, but over time, it can cause joint pain, stiffness and bone weakness.” Long-term arsenic exposure may begin with skin problems and later raise the risk of serious illnesses, including cancer. He adds, “Uranium mainly affects the kidneys, damaging them gradually with prolonged intake.” Since these effects take years to surface, they are rarely linked to drinking water until the harm is already done.

Why Is Clear Drinking Water Unsafe (Image Credits: Canva)

Why Choosing The Right Filter Matters

Many households rely on water filters as a safety step, but protection depends on quality. Studies have shown that low-grade or unverified filters can lose effectiveness quickly and may fail to block harmful substances even after limited use. This creates a false sense of safety. Water may seem protected, but contaminants continue to pass through. Choosing a properly tested and certified filter is not a technical decision but a health decision. A reliable system becomes the last line of defence between invisible pollutants and daily consumption.

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A Quiet Risk That Deserves Attention

Clear water is not always safe for drinking. The real cost of contamination is paid through health problems that appear years later. Paying attention to what may be present in drinking water and making informed choices today can prevent harm tomorrow.