Water Safety Risks: Over‑hydration and Bacterial Contamination Threaten Health

Excessive water consumption can lead to water intoxication (hyperhydration). While a healthy adult can process up to ten litres a day, experts advise not exceeding three litres daily. Over‑hydration reduces blood sodium, impairing heart, kidney, brain and lung function and can cause symptoms such as headache, nausea, dizziness and, in severe cases, life‑threatening circulatory collapse. People with heart, kidney or liver disease, those on low‑food diets, and endurance athletes are especially vulnerable.

Separately, recent recalls of mineral‑water bottles in Germany have identified contamination with the bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The organism is generally harmless to healthy individuals but can cause serious infections—lung, urinary‑tract, wound, sepsis or ear infections—in immunocompromised patients. German regulations set a zero‑tolerance limit for this bacterium in drinking water, prompting the withdrawal of specific batches of Raffelberger mineral water. Consumers are advised to check recall notices and follow manufacturer guidance.