Final answer:
Non potable water does carry significant health risks, as it can be contaminated with harmful pathogens that cause serious illnesses. Proper sanitation and water treatment are essential for making water safe to drink. The misconception that non potable water is not risky neglects the potential for severe, often fatal health outcomes.
Step-by-step explanation:
Drinking non potable water does indeed carry significant health risks. Potable water is water that is deemed safe for drinking, without harmful levels of chemicals or microorganisms. On the other hand, non potable water can lead to a variety of waterborne diseases caused by pathogens such as viruses, bacteria, and parasites.
These diseases can be severe, leading to symptoms ranging from diarrhea to severe illnesses such as cholera, typhoid, and hepatitis. Sanitation measures including the use of chlorine-based compounds are essential in reducing the risk posed by these pathogens. Additionally, water treatment processes ensure the elimination of contaminants like arsenic and fluoride, recognized by the WHO as serious contaminants.
In areas where potable water is not readily available, which includes many developing countries, the daily struggle to find clean water contributes to health issues and hinders community development. Thus, the belief that non potable water does not carry significant health risks is a dangerous misconception that disregards the potential for serious, sometimes even fatal, health consequences.