Almost all types of water pollution are harmful to the health of humans, animals and plants. Water pollution may not harm our health immediately but could harm after long term exposure. Different types of water pollution affect health in different ways:

Heavy metals from industrial processes can accumulate in nearby lakes and rivers. They are toxic to marine organisms such as fish and shellfish, and subsequently to those who eat them. Heavy metals can slow growth; birth defects and cancer.

Industrial waste often contains many toxic compounds that are harmful to the health of seafood. Some of the toxins in industrial waste can have only mild effects while others can be fatal. They can cause immunosuppression, fertility failure or acute poisoning.

Pollutants from wastewater often lead to diseases that infect aquatic and terrestrial organisms through drinking water. Microbiological contamination is a major problem in developing countries, with diseases such as cholera and typhoid fever being the main cause of infant mortality.

Sulfate particles from acid rain can harm the health of organisms in rivers and lakes, which can lead to death.

The suspended particles in fresh water reduce the quality of drinking water for humans and the aquatic environment for marine organisms. Suspended particles can often reduce the amount of sunlight that passes through the water, disrupting the growth of photosynthetic plants and microorganisms. As a way to reduce water pollution, more advanced technical cleaning is needed. Some developed countries have wastewater treatment plants that remove pathogens. Maintenance, replacement and repair of leaky and faulty wastewater treatment infrastructure. Household septic tanks need to ensure pre-treatment on the spot before seeping into the soil.