Tainted

In Fatal Frame V, a person who comes into contact with the black water is said to be "tainted" by it (夜泉濡れ, yominure, "drenched in black water"). The afflicted gradually dissolve and fall into the Netherworld, said to be dead while they still live, until they finally die. Only the Forbidden Flame, carefully tended by Flamekeepers at the Hall of Fire, can dry the black water and remove the taint. Those who die while still covered in the black water will turn into evil ghosts who try to drag others into the underworld with them, black water pouring from their eyes and mouths like tears.

"Tainted by black water" is also a status effect that occurs during gameplay, inflicted by certain spirits when they turn purple. When a character is tainted, their clothes will appear drenched and black, their vision will be blurry, and their health drop rapidly. The effects can be remedied with Purifying Embers.