What Happens When You Drink Water With Bacteria

Many people assume that all tap water is safe, but the truth is, water can sometimes carry harmful bacteria, even if it looks clean and tastes fine. This invisible threat can turn something as simple as drinking water into a health hazard.

So what happens if you drink water with bacteria in it? When harmful bacteria enter your body through water, they can cause various health problems, from mild digestive discomfort to severe infections.

Risks of drinking water contaminated with bacteria

1. Gastrointestinal Problems

The most common risk of consuming bacteria-laden water is developing gastrointestinal issues, such as diarrhoea, nausea, and vomiting. Bacteria like E. coli or Salmonella can lead to these symptoms by infecting the digestive system. While these symptoms may pass in healthy individuals after a few days, they can be more severe for children, the elderly, or those with weakened immune systems.

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2. Infections

Some bacteria in contaminated water, such as Legionella or Campylobacter, can cause infections that go beyond the digestive system. For instance, Legionella can lead to Legionnaires’ disease, a type of pneumonia that affects the lungs and can be life-threatening if untreated.

3. Dehydration

Severe diarrhoea and vomiting from bacterial infections can lead to dehydration. This is especially dangerous for vulnerable populations like infants and older adults. Dehydration occurs when the body loses more fluids than it takes in, affecting vital body functions, which can result in dizziness, weakness, or even hospitalisation if not managed properly.

4. Long-term Health Issues

Certain bacterial infections can lead to chronic conditions. For example, H. pylori, a bacteria found in contaminated water, is linked to long-term issues like stomach ulcers and even stomach cancer if left untreated.

5. Antibiotic Resistance

Another concern is the rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in water supplies, which can make infections harder to treat. When bacteria in contaminated water are resistant to common antibiotics, it limits treatment options, making infections more difficult to control and increasing the risk of complications.

6. Risk to Vulnerable Groups

While many healthy adults may recover from bacterial infections, those with compromised immune systems, including people undergoing chemotherapy, those with HIV/AIDS, or individuals with chronic illnesses, are at a much higher risk. For these individuals, bacterial contamination in water can lead to severe infections that could be life-threatening.

In summary, drinking water contaminated with bacteria can cause a range of health problems, from temporary discomfort to severe infections and long-term health issues. Ensuring access to clean, treated water is critical to preventing these risks. Regular testing of water sources and proper sanitation measures help protect communities from bacterial contamination.

How to recover from drinking contaminated water

1. Recognise the Symptoms

After drinking contaminated water, you might experience symptoms like:

• Diarrhoea
• Stomach cramps
• Nausea or vomiting
• Fever

If these occur, it's likely your body is reacting to bacteria, viruses, or parasites in the water.

2. Stay Hydrated

Diarrhoea and vomiting can cause dehydration, which makes recovery harder. Drink plenty of clean, safe water (boiled or bottled). You can also use oral rehydration solutions (ORS) to replace lost fluids and electrolytes, which help balance your body's hydration.

Tip: If you don’t have an ORS, you can make your own by mixing 1 litre of clean water with 6 teaspoons of sugar and ½ teaspoon of salt.

3. Rest

Give your body time to heal. Resting helps your immune system fight off the bacteria or viruses causing the illness. Avoid strenuous activities until you're feeling better.

4. Eat Light, if You Can

Once nausea starts to settle, eat light, bland foods to help your stomach recover, such as:

• Bananas
• Rice
• Applesauce
• Toast

These foods are easy to digest and gentle on the stomach.

5. Seek Medical Attention if Needed

Most cases will pass after a day or two, but you should see a doctor if:

• Symptoms are severe or last more than 2-3 days.
• There's blood in your stool.
• You have a high fever (over 101.5°F or 38.6°C).
• You’re experiencing signs of dehydration, such as dark urine, extreme thirst, dizziness, or dry mouth.

People with weakened immune systems (like young children, older adults, or those with chronic health conditions) should seek medical attention earlier, as they can become seriously ill more quickly.

6. Take Medications if Advised

Sometimes, doctors might prescribe antibiotics if the contamination is bacterial, but these aren’t always necessary, especially for viral infections. Never self-prescribe antibiotics, as taking the wrong medication can make things worse.

Over-the-counter medications for nausea or diarrhoea might be suggested, but avoid these without consulting a doctor, as they can sometimes slow down your body’s ability to get rid of the infection.

7. Prevent Future Contamination

To avoid getting sick again:

• Only drink water from safe, trusted sources.
• Boil or filter water if you're unsure of its quality.
• Use water purification tablets when travelling or camping in areas without clean water.

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Bacteria that can be found in drinking water

• E. coli: Often from animal or human faeces, it can cause stomach cramps, diarrhoea (sometimes with blood), and vomiting. Some types are dangerous, especially for children and the elderly.
• Salmonella: Also comes from faecal contamination. It can cause diarrhoea, fever, and stomach pain. Severe cases may need medical treatment.
• Legionella: Grows in water systems like hot tubs or plumbing. It can cause a serious lung infection called Legionnaires’ disease, which is life-threatening for some people.
• Campylobacter: Found in water contaminated by animal faeces. It leads to diarrhoea, stomach pain, and fever. Rarely, it can cause nerve problems.
• Vibrio cholerae: Causes cholera, which leads to severe diarrhoea and dehydration. It's common in places with poor sanitation, and if untreated, it can be deadly.

Frequently asked questions

Can you get sick from bacteria in water?

Yes, drinking water with harmful bacteria can make you sick. It can cause stomach problems like diarrhoea, nausea, and vomiting. In some cases, it can lead to more serious illnesses, especially in children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems.

How long after drinking contaminated water do you get sick?

You might start feeling sick a few hours to a few days after drinking contaminated water. For some bacteria, symptoms appear within 1 to 3 days, while others may take longer. It depends on the type of bacteria and your body's reaction to it.

What kills bacteria inside the body?

Your immune system is the first defence that fights bacteria. If needed, doctors may prescribe antibiotics, which are medicines that specifically kill or stop the growth of harmful bacteria. However, not all infections need antibiotics.

Which food kills bacteria?

Certain foods like garlic, ginger, and honey have natural antibacterial properties and may help fight off bacteria. However, these foods are not a replacement for medical treatment, especially if you're seriously ill. Always consult a doctor for proper treatment.

How do you know if your water is making you sick?

If you drink water and soon develop symptoms like diarrhoea, vomiting, or stomach cramps, your water might be contaminated. If multiple people in your household are getting sick after drinking the same water, it’s a sign something is wrong with the water supply.

How do you know if your body is fighting an infection?

When your body fights an infection, you may have symptoms like fever, fatigue, body aches, or swollen glands. These are signs that your immune system is working hard to get rid of the bacteria or virus causing the infection.

Protect your health with a water purifier

While our bodies have natural defences against bacteria, it’s essential to prevent these risks by making sure your water is clean and safe to drink. Boiling water or using purification methods can help, but the best way to consistently protect yourself and your family is to invest in a reliable water purification system.

At Genzon Water, we understand the importance of clean, safe drinking water for your health and well-being. Our advanced water purifiers use cutting-edge filtration technology to remove harmful bacteria, chemicals, and other contaminants from your water. With Genzon water purifiers, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing that every drop you drink is pure, fresh, and free from harmful microorganisms. Make sure clean water is never a concern in your household starting today.