Water quality is crucial for maintaining health, not only for hydration but also for protection against serious diseases.
Why is this important?
While water is essential for bodily functions such as temperature regulation, joint lubrication, and waste elimination, contaminated water can carry pathogens, heavy metals, and harmful chemicals that threaten health.
Globally, poor water quality is responsible for approximately 850,000 deaths annually due to diarrheal diseases, and millions more are affected by contaminants such as lead and waterborne pathogens.
What can affect water quality?
Aging Pipes : Building water systems in the United States are generally reliable, but they are aging, with many pipes over a century old. This deterioration increases the risk of contamination from corroded pipes, leaks, and exposure to harmful chemicals.
For example, the Flint, Michigan water crisis highlighted the dangers of lead contamination, especially for children. The CDC reported that lead-contaminated water is particularly harmful to children, affecting cognitive development, and has no safe blood level for young people. Adults are also at risk, as high lead levels can lead to cardiovascular problems, kidney issues, and nerve damage.
Inadequate Water Treatment : Contaminants such as polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), used in products for their non-stick and stain-resistant properties, have been found in water sources.
Exposure to PFAS is linked to health problems, including cancer, obesity, and immunosuppression, affecting both adults and children.
Water Stagnation / Storage : Microbial contaminants such as Legionella bacteria, which thrive in stagnant or warm water, pose another significant risk.
Legionella can cause Legionnaires’ disease, a severe respiratory illness, especially when building water systems are not well-maintained. Between 2011 and 2012, Legionella accounted for two-thirds of waterborne disease outbreaks in the United States, causing illness and death, often in healthcare facilities.
What can we do?
To maintain water quality in buildings, proper infrastructure maintenance is essential. Measures such as regular pipe replacement, the use of safe materials, routine water quality testing, and appropriate filtration can help protect building occupants from harmful contaminants.
These preventive actions create safer environments, reduce the risk of illness, and ultimately improve public health.
At CAMPUS CONTERN:
- We have strict control and maintenance over all our water dispensers in coworking spaces and the fitness room to ensure proper water filtration.
- Although our buildings are new, pipes and leaks are monitored and checked.
- Water tanks are regularly flushed to prevent stagnation and potential contamination.
Our Goal:
- To ensure our tenants benefit from a healthy and safe work environment. They spend a lot of time in our buildings, and it is our responsibility to do our best to reduce the causes of fatigue, absenteeism, and to promote concentration and performance.
- To protect our tenants from chronic diseases and play our part in the National Health Plan.
Source: “The 9 Foundations of a Healthy Building” Harvard School of Public Health – forhealth.org