What is one potential health effect of high turbidity in drinking water?

High turbidity in drinking water can significantly increase the risk of gastrointestinal illness. Turbidity refers to the cloudiness or haziness of water caused by large numbers of individual particles, which can include sediment, algae, organic matter, and microorganisms. When water is turbid, these particles can serve as a medium for pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, and protozoa. This can lead to an increased potential for waterborne diseases, as these microorganisms may not be effectively removed through conventional water treatment processes.

Additionally, high turbidity can interfere with disinfection processes, making it more difficult for chlorine or other disinfectants to effectively kill harmful pathogens. This raises concerns about the safety of the drinking water and the health of individuals consuming it.

The other options do not accurately reflect the implications of high turbidity. Enhanced taste, improved odor, and higher mineral content are not typically associated with high levels of turbidity and can even be seen as potential concerns; water with high turbidity may taste worse or have an undesirable odor due to the organic matter present, and the presence of sediment does not inherently suggest higher mineral content.