Why safe water and food matter
Dirty water and food carry the germs that cause diarrhoea (three or more loose or liquid stools in a day), typhoid and other infections. In India, deaths from diarrhoea are mostly seen in the summer and monsoon months, and children suffer most. Safe drinking water, hand washing with soap, sanitation and safe food help to prevent them.
Making water safe to drink
If you are not sure that your water is safe, treat it. If it is cloudy, first pour it through a clean cloth, or let it settle and pour off the clear water.
| Method | How | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Boiling | Bring the water to a full rolling boil and keep it boiling for about a minute. Let it cool with a lid on. | The most reliable way to kill germs. It does not remove chemicals. |
| Chlorine tablets or drops | Use exactly as the pack says, for the amount of water it names, and wait as long as it says before drinking. | Useful when you cannot boil. Less effective against some parasites. |
| Filters and purifiers | Check what yours removes, and follow the maker's instructions for cleaning and changing it. | Many simple filters do not remove all germs. If you are unsure, boil or disinfect the filtered water. |
Boiling and chlorine do not remove chemicals such as fuel or pesticides. If water may contain chemicals, use another source.
Keep safe water safe. Let boiled water cool, then store it in a clean container with a tight lid. Wash the container regularly, and pour water out of it rather than dipping a cup or your hand in.
Clean hands and safe food
Do
- Wash your hands with soap and water before cooking and eating, after using the toilet, and after cleaning a child. A mother should wash before feeding her child.
- Cook food thoroughly and eat it while it is hot.
- Wash fruit and vegetables well, especially if you eat them raw, and peel them where you can.
- Drink only boiled or pasteurised milk, and use ice only if it was made from safe water.
- Keep raw and cooked food apart, and wash knives, boards and utensils with hot, soapy water.
Do not
- Do not drink raw milk.
- Do not leave cooked food or cut fruit out for more than 2 hours, or 1 hour in very hot weather.
- Do not prepare food for others if you have diarrhoea or typhoid.
If someone has diarrhoea
The danger in diarrhoea is losing too much water and salts from the body (dehydration). India's national programme notes that almost all deaths from diarrhoea in children can be prevented by replacing what is lost with ORS (), giving zinc, and keeping up feeding.
- Start ORS at the first loose stool. Use a ready-made ORS packet, and mix it in the amount of clean water printed on the packet.
- Wash your hands with soap and water first, and use clean water, a clean container and a clean spoon.
- Give small sips often. If the person vomits, carry on again more slowly.
- Keep feeding. Keep breastfeeding a baby, and give a child extra feeds during and after the illness.
- Ask a doctor or health worker about zinc tablets for a child. They are given for 14 days, even after the diarrhoea stops.
- Throw away mixed ORS after 24 hours and make a fresh batch.
See a doctor if diarrhoea lasts 14 days or longer.
Myths and facts
Things people often say about this. Open each one to see what is true.
Myth“Boiling water for 10 or 20 minutes makes it safer.”What is true?
Fact
A full rolling boil is enough to inactivate the germs, and about a minute is the usual advice. Boiling for much longer is not needed. Let the water cool with a lid on, and store it in a clean, covered container.
Myth“A child with loose motions should be given nothing to eat or drink, to rest the stomach.”What is true?
Fact
The child needs ORS from the first loose stool, and needs to keep feeding, including breastfeeding. Fluids lost in diarrhoea must be replaced, and continued feeding helps the child recover.
Common questions
How long should I boil water?
Bring it to a full rolling boil and keep it boiling for about a minute. If it is cloudy, pour it through a clean cloth first. Let it cool with a lid on and store it in a clean, covered container.
Is a filter or water purifier enough?
It depends on what yours removes. Many simple filters do not remove all germs. Read the instructions, keep it clean and change the filter or cartridge on time. If you are unsure about your water source, boil or disinfect the filtered water too.
Can I make ORS at home?
Use a ready-made ORS packet and mix it in the amount of clean water printed on it. ORS is a balanced mix of clean water, sugar and salt, and a home mix that is not measured may be too weak or too strong. Ask a doctor or health worker before using any home mixture.
How long can I keep ORS once it is mixed?
Use it within 24 hours and throw away what is left. Make a fresh batch with clean water after washing your hands.