New Delhi: Unsafe drinking water has once again exposed its deadly side after eight people lost their lives in Indore, Madhya Pradesh. More than 100 others are currently hospitalised with severe vomiting and diarrhoea. Over the past two days, hospitals in the city have reported a steady inflow of patients showing acute gastrointestinal symptoms, all linked to consumption of contaminated water. The incident raises a critical question that how does something as basic as drinking water turn into a life-threatening hazard?

According to global health data, the danger is far from rare. The World Health Organisation estimates that nearly one million people die every year worldwide due to diseases caused by unsafe water. Read more about how contaminated water triggers deadly illnesses and death.

Contaminated water health consequences explained 1. How contaminated water triggers deadly illnesses

Dr Ushast Dhir, Director of Liver Transplant and Hepato-Biliary Surgery at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, explains that contaminated drinking water contains highly dangerous bacteria and viruses. Once consumed, these microorganisms first attack the intestines, leading to repeated episodes of diarrhoea.

Frequent diarrhoea rapidly drains the body of water and essential electrolytes such as sodium and potassium. This condition, known as dehydration, can escalate quickly and become fatal if not treated in time.

2. Why diarrhoea can lead to death

Prof Dr LH Ghotekar, Director, Department of Medicine at Lady Hardinge Hospital, says diarrhoea remains one of the leading causes of death globally. Continuous fluid loss lowers blood pressure, reducing oxygen supply to vital organs like the kidneys and brain.

If oxygen does not reach these organs, they begin to shut down. Kidney failure or brain damage can occur within hours. In severe cases, multiple organs stop functioning, leading to death if immediate medical care is not provided.

3. Hepatitis A and its direct attack on the liver

Apart from diarrhoea, contaminated water also spreads Hepatitis A, a viral infection that directly targets the liver. The virus enters the body through dirty water, causes liver inflammation, and damages liver cells.

People with pre-existing liver conditions, such as advanced fatty liver disease or other chronic liver disorders, face a much higher risk. In such cases, Hepatitis A can push the liver into complete failure and become life-threatening.

Symptoms to watch out for 1. Symptoms of Hepatitis A

Loss of appetite, vomiting, abdominal pain, high fever, yellowing of the skin, and pain on the right side of the abdomen

2. Symptoms of diarrhoea

Frequent loose motions, severe stomach pain, vomiting, weakness

How to stay safe while drinking water

Here are the ways to stay safe while drinking water.

• Always drink boiled or filtered water.


• Clean household water tanks every six months


• Give boiled water to children and elderly people


• Avoid drinking water if its colour appears even slightly changed

The Indore incident is a stark reminder that contaminated water is not just a hygiene issue but a serious public health threat. Timely medical care, early symptom recognition, and safe drinking water practices can mean the difference between recovery and a fatal outcome.