Drinking untreated water such as creek water, bore water or sometimes even rainwater can lead to illnesses including gastroenteritis. Natural water sources should be used with caution and water treatment methods used to make water safe to drink. Remember, think before you drink and treat the water if you are unsure.
Water – make it safe to drink
Drinking water from rain tanks, bores and dams is great when you know the water is safe. However, sometimes prolonged dry periods, contamination from dust, livestock, birds, algae and even insect plagues can affect the quality of your drinking water.
Seepage from septic tanks, intensive farming operations or pesticide drift can also contaminate your drinking water supply. More recently climate variability has increased the number of algal blooms which can also be toxic.
If you suspect water may be contaminated, boil or filter your drinking water.
References used for this topic page
More information:
Centers for Disease Control (US)
Last reviewed:
12-May-2010
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