Viral: People drink AC water assuming it to be Lord Krishna's charanamrit; expert lists dangers

A video is going viral over the social media where a group of devotees are seen drinking water from an outlet. While the devotees assume it to be the charanamrit of Lord Krishna and consider it to be holy water, many claim it to be discarded water from the air conditioner.

The video is said to be from Banke Bihari temple in Vrindavan.

Soon after the video went viral on social media, health experts have come forward to warn people against consuming water without verifying the source.

Hepatologist Cyriac Abby Philips, popularly known as TheLiverDoc on X, has posted that: Cooling and air conditioning systems are breeding grounds for many types of infections including fungus, some really hellish. Exposure to air conditioning condensed water can lead to a terrifying disease known as Legionnaires' disease, spread by a species of bacteria called Legionella. Citing several health reports, the doctor has warned about the potential side effects of consuming such water.



Legionnaires' disease is a severe type of pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria, commonly found in freshwater environments like rivers and lakes. However, it can grow in man-made water systems, such as cooling towers, hot tubs, plumbing systems, and air conditioning units. People can contract the disease by inhaling small droplets of contaminated water. Symptoms include high fever, cough, muscle aches, and shortness of breath. While it can affect anyone, older adults, smokers, and those with weakened immune systems are at higher risk.



Air conditioner (AC) water, which is in most cases collected by condensation, can have some dangerous effects and therefore cannot be considered safe for drinking or for other household applications. Contamination from dust, dirt, mold spores, and even chemicals from AC components can easily be found in the collected AC water. As this water is formed by condensation, it does not contain essential minerals and may get polluted easily with environmental contaminants and impurities.

Water from AC may contain harmful microbes, such as bacteria and fungi, because it travels through ducts and surfaces exposed to dust and debris. Sometimes, even heavy metals, such as copper or aluminum, in the coils and pipes of the AC unit can dissolve into the water, making it toxic when ingested.

Applying this water directly on the skin could cause irritation or allergic reactions.

Is it okay to use it for plants?

Irrigation of plants with AC water is not advisable since the water lacks minerals needed by the plants and changes the pH of the soil over time. When used frequently for non-potable purposes, residual contaminants may accumulate and cause damage to the soil and the environment.

AC water should be disposed of carefully, or repurposed with caution in non-sensitive areas like outdoor cleaning or flushing toilets.