There is no life without water, but when the water one uses is contaminated, they could be at risk of health problems. That’s why access to clean drinking water is a basic need. But even seemingly clean tap water may need to be purified to make it drinkable. So, here are the side effects of drinking tap water and the role of a water purifier to highlight the importance of water purification: Side effects of drinking tap water 1. Bacterial infections Bacteria like salmonella and E. coli thrive in contaminated tap water, and they can lead to severe bacterial infections. These infections hamper digestion, so problems like diarrhea, cholera, typhoid, and dysentery may develop upon drinking water directly from the tap. 2. Discoloration of teeth Fluoride is a mineral that is naturally found in the body, including the bones and teeth. It is sometimes added to drinking water. However, excessive fluoride exposure can cause fluorosis or tooth discoloration.  3. Eye and skin problems Pesticides and herbicides are used to get rid of insects and worms. However, exposure to such chemicals can be very harmful to humans as well. Sometimes, tap water gets contaminated by pesticides and herbicides, so upon drinking, it can cause skin and eye irritation, along with other side effects.