Final answer:
Contaminated drinking water can lead to foodborne illnesses through bacteria like E. coli and viruses such as Hepatitis A, which are eliminated by proper water treatment and food handling safety measures.
Step-by-step explanation:
Two common causes of foodborne illnesses that result from contaminated drinking water are bacteria and viruses. Contaminated water can harbor various pathogens such as E. coli, which is often found in food products like undercooked meat and unpasteurized milk, and Hepatitis A virus, which can spread through contaminated water and result in serious liver disease. Additionally, protozoa such as Cryptosporidium and Giardia intestinalis are common contaminants that can cause gastrointestinal disturbances.
Water treatment with chlorine-based compounds significantly reduces the risk of these pathogens persisting in drinking water, and proper sanitization and food handling reduce the chance of developing foodborne diseases. However, without adequate sanitation measures, such as the correct placement of wells to avoid fecal contamination, diseases like typhoid, cholera, and diarrhea can arise from waterborne pathogens.