Importance of Fresh Water
It’s highly unlikely old water will make you ill. Symptoms of gastrointestinal illness from contaminated water can include diarrhea, abdominal cramps, nausea and vomiting.
Signs of Contaminated Water
Clean water left in an open cup outside is likely to go bad within 1-3 days. Signs of contaminated water include: cloudiness, strange tinting or color, unusual taste, and specific odors.
Risks of Drinking Bad Water
You can get sick if you use contaminated water for various purposes like cooking, washing food, preparing drinks, or brushing teeth. E. coli and fecal coliform bacteria indicate contamination with human or animal wastes.
How Long Does Illness Take to Develop?
Symptoms of gastrointestinal illness from contaminated water can take 24 to 48 hours to develop. Infants, children, and elderly people are more susceptible to waterborne diseases.
Water Expiration and Contamination
It’s not a good idea to drink water past its expiration date as it can become contaminated with harmful bacteria. Should you drink contaminated water, pay attention to possible symptoms which usually resolve within 24 to 48 hours.
Signs of Unsafe Water
Look for signs that indicate potentially unsafe drinking water, such as cloudiness, strange color, unusual taste, or specific odors. Diarrhea is the leading cause of illness and death among young children in the U.S.