Drinking contaminated water can lead to various water-borne infections with incubation periods ranging from hours to weeks, depending on the pathogen. Symptoms can include acute gastroenteritis, diarrhea, vomiting, cramps, fever, and abdominal pain. Health systems must remain vigilant for at least 2-3 weeks post-contamination, as different diseases manifest at different times. Prompt recognition, rehydration, and appropriate treatment are crucial to reduce complications and fatalities.