Immediate and long-term consequences of drinking tap water every day

Although it seems clean because it is clear and odorless, tap water can still be a silent source of harm to health if used for drinking directly every day.

Tap water often contains chlorine and heavy metals, which can corrode the liver, kidneys and digestive system without the user knowing.

Many consequences of drinking untreated tap water

Master - Doctor Vo Thi To Hi, Head of the Department of Nutrition, Gia An 115 Hospital (HCMC), said that tap water in large cities like HCMC is often treated to meet the National Technical Regulation on the quality of clean water used for domestic purposes (QCVN 01:2021/BYT). However, this standard only ensures the purpose of normal domestic use, not for direct drinking.

Drinking clean water properly is very important for health.

Illustration: AI

In fact, even if the source water is properly treated, when it passes through old pipes, tanks or faucets, the water can be re-contaminated with microorganisms such as E. coli, Giardia, or contaminated with heavy metals such as lead, copper, zinc. In addition, residual chlorine used for disinfection can react with organic substances in the water to create trihalomethanes (THMs) such as chloroform - if accumulated for a long time, can affect the liver, kidneys and increase the risk of endocrine disorders.

According to Dr. To Hi, in the short term, consuming untreated tap water can cause stomach aches, vomiting, and diarrhea. Residual chlorine can irritate the intestinal lining, reduce the activity of digestive enzymes, and make it difficult to absorb protein and starch.

In the long term, it can easily lead to chronic enteritis, imbalance of intestinal microflora, and reduced absorption of micronutrients (iron, zinc, vitamin B12). Heavy metals such as lead and arsenic can accumulate, causing anemia, bone metabolism disorders, kidney stones, or even nerve damage.

In particular, some vulnerable groups include:

• Children: Susceptible to dehydration, electrolyte disturbances, reduced iron and zinc absorption.
• Pregnant women: Water containing nitrates or heavy metals can interfere with folate absorption, increasing the risk of birth defects.
• Elderly: Reduced kidney function, susceptible to dehydration, electrolyte depletion, or long-term accumulation of toxins.

Pay attention to the water tank

Doctor To Hi emphasized that reusable plastic bottles, especially PET or PP, if only washed manually without being thoroughly sterilized with high temperature (>70°C) or UV rays, can easily accumulate biofilm - a favorable environment for bacteria to grow such as E. coli and Pseudomonas.

Additionally, when plastic bottles are exposed to sunlight or hot water, compounds such as bisphenol A (BPA), phthalates, or antimony can be released, causing endocrine disruption, liver and kidney damage, or reproductive effects. Residual chlorine in water can also react with plastic to create chloroform, a toxic compound if accumulated over time.

Therefore, people should use glass or plastic bottles that meet food safety standards (PET1, PC), avoid reusing them too many times and replace them periodically according to the manufacturer's recommendations.

To ensure safety while still retaining natural minerals, doctors advise people to apply the following measures:

Boil water for at least 1-2 minutes to kill bacteria, then let it cool naturally.

Photo: AI

Boil and cool properly : Boil water for at least 1-2 minutes to kill bacteria, then let it cool naturally. Do not leave it for more than 24 hours because it can be re-contaminated from the environment.

Use standard water filter : Choose a type with activated carbon or ceramic core, which helps remove chlorine and heavy metals but still retains minerals such as calcium and magnesium. For water sources with high TDS (>500 ppm), use an RO or Nano filter with a mineral supplement core to maintain electrolyte balance and support bone and immune health.

Regular maintenance : Replace the filter every 3-6 months depending on water quality; clean the tank and filter pipes to avoid re-infection.

Regular water testing : People can bring water samples to the Center for Preventive Medicine or Pasteur Institute to test for residual chlorine, E. coli and heavy metals every 6-12 months.

“If you have symptoms of prolonged digestive disorders, fatigue or suspected water intoxication, you should see a nutrition or digestive specialist for assessment and specific instructions,” Dr. To Hi advised.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/hau-qua-truoc-mat-va-lau-dai-khi-uong-truc-tiep-nuoc-may-moi-ngay-185251015213151216.htm