A study published in the journal PLOS ONE is the first to use the same sampling technique in many countries worldwide to measure declining water quality.
The researchers found that, on average, water quality was worse in developing countries than in developed countries.
They found that the average dissolved oxygen concentration, a measure of water quality, was significantly lower in developing countries than in developed countries.
The researchers also found that, in general, water quality was worse in countries with higher levels of economic development, population density, and pollution.
The study suggests that governments in developing countries should focus on reducing pollution and improving sanitation and waste disposal to improve water quality.
The researchers also suggest that governments invest in infrastructure to improve access to clean drinking water, improve water quality monitoring, and enforce regulations.
Health Impact of Drinking Poor Quality Water
Drinking poor-quality water can have a severe negative impact on health. Ingesting water contaminated with bacteria, viruses, parasites, or chemicals can cause various illnesses, including gastrointestinal diseases such as diarrhea, abdominal cramps, nausea, and vomiting.
These illnesses can range from mild to severe and can even be life-threatening. Poor-quality water can also cause various other health issues, such as skin rashes, respiratory infections, and eye and ear infections.
Additionally, long-term exposure to poor-quality water can lead to chronic health problems, such as kidney disease, liver disease, and cancer.