Many Kenyans rely on borehole water as piped water becomes scarce, but untreated groundwater poses significant health risks. Experts warn that common contaminants in borehole water can lead to severe health issues, often unnoticed until it's too late, highlighting the dangers lurking beneath the surface.

• Fluoride contamination in volcanic regions like Nairobi and the Rift Valley can cause dental and skeletal fluorosis.
• Microbial contamination from poorly drilled boreholes near waste sources leads to diseases like typhoid and cholera, particularly in densely populated areas.
• Nitrate pollution from agricultural runoff can cause "blue baby syndrome" in infants, while excessive minerals like iron, manganese, and salts contribute to long-term health problems.
• Texas A&M University System research highlights that dangerous trace metals like lead and arsenic, which cannot be boiled away, can cause liver and kidney damage.
• Most Kenyans do not test their borehole water regularly, with experts recommending annual testing and proper treatment methods such as chlorine, UV treatment, and reverse osmosis.