44. Water | The Pathogen, the Plastic & What's in Your Glass

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Mohivate, Dr Mohi Sarawgee follows the remarkable story of water, from the cholera-stricken streets of Victorian London to the microplastics turning up in the water we drink today. We meet John Snow and the Broad Street pump, explore how clean water and sanitation became one of the greatest advances in human health, and look at just how much science and human effort sits behind something as ordinary as turning on a tap. Then we come to the question facing us now. Microplastics and nanoplastics are being found in drinking water, bottled water, and even human tissues. But what do those findings actually mean for our health? And how much should we really be worried? Along the way, we look at bottled versus tap water, what water filters can and cannot do, simple ways to reduce unnecessary plastic exposure, and what to do if the water coming from your own tap suddenly looks, smells, or tastes different. This episode is a story about a pathogen, plastic, uncertainty, and the extraordinary science hidden inside an ordinary glass of water. References:  **1.**John Snow, cholera and the Broad Street pump (1854) — London Museum: https://www.londonmuseum.org.uk/collections/london-stories/john-snow-cholera-broad-street-pump/ **2.**Clean water and sanitation voted the greatest medical advance since 1840 — BMJ readers’ poll (2007): https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC1779856/ **3.**The Brixham cryptosporidium outbreak and record fine — Drinking Water Inspectorate (2026): https://www.dwi.gov.uk/2-june-2026-south-west-water-fined-a-record-1-853-million-for-drinking-water-failures-in-brixham/ **4.**Microplastics in drinking water: WHO assessment (low risk at current levels, more research needed) — World Health Organization: https://www.who.int/news/item/22-08-2019-who-calls-for-more-research-into-microplastics-and-a-crackdown-on-plastic-pollution Just a gentle reminder: this episode is for information, education, and inspiration only. It’s not a substitute for your doctor’s advice. For any personal health concerns, always seek guidance from your doctor.