Experts warn against drinking spring water after a man is left ‘slowly dying’ with severely damaged lungs.
Drinking from a natural spring might seem like a refreshing and healthy choice.
However, experts are once again urging the public to think twice before consuming untreated water.
A chilling case from Australia has highlighted the serious risks of consuming unfiltered spring water.
The incident involves a man now battling a life-threatening lung infection after making that mistake.
A man faced a severe lung infection after drinking spring water.
The case of Chris Capper showed the important risks associated with drinking untreated spring water.
It served as a harrowing lesson.
In 2021, 33-year-old Chris Capper from northern Queensland made the near-fatal. He was reported to drink unfiltered spring water while visiting a friend in Mount Elliot.
Chris was diagnosed with a rare lung infection after drinking spring water.
This condition, known as nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) disease, is caused by bacteria found in soil, water, and dust.”
What seemed like a harmless sip turned into a nightmare for Chris.
Within six weeks of drinking the contaminated water, Chris’s health took a drastic turn.
The infection ravaged his lungs, destroying one-third of their tissue, caused kidney failure. It even triggered arthritis in some joints.
“The once healthy man now relies on 16 tablets a day to manage his symptoms.
While. the doctors describe his condition as akin to ‘modern-day tuberculosis.’
Experts warned about the dangers of drinking unfiltered water
While many believe that drinking “raw” water in its natural state is beneficial, the reality is quite the opposite.
According to registered dietitian Gillian Culbertson, drinking untreated water is a “big risk.”
Additonally, water from natural sources like springs can carry harmful bacteria and contaminants that pose significant health risks.
Culbertson warns that untreated water can expose individuals to numerous water-borne diseases.
Speaking to Cleveland Clinic, Gillian explained: “Spring water and other sources of untreated water flow through rock material and come into contact with organic material that is a breeding ground for bacteria.
“Without proper filtration and decontamination, it can make you very ill.
“When you choose to drink water that hasn’t been properly tested and filtered, you’re taking a big risk. If you’re looking for an alternative to drinking water straight from your faucet, there are safer ways to do it.”
The importance of safe water practices
For those looking for alternatives to tap water, experts recommend sticking to tested and filtered options.
While, Filtration removes harmful pathogens, ensuring that the water is safe to drink.
“If you’re looking for an alternative to drinking water straight from your faucet, there are safer ways to do it,” Culbertson advised.
Additonally, drinking untreated water may seem appealing to some, but the risks far outweigh the perceived benefits.
“When you choose to drink water that hasn’t been properly tested and filtered, you’re taking a big risk. If you’re looking for an alternative to drinking water straight from your faucet, there are safer ways to do it.” He added.
In Chris Capper’s case, what started as a simple drink from a natural source has led to life-altering consequences.
The story of Chris Capper serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of consuming untreated water.
While it may seem like a pure and natural option, unfiltered spring water can harbor dangerous bacteria that can cause severe illness.