A dry cough and slight tongue itching after drinking pot water may occur due to dust, fungal growth, contamination, minerals, or sensitivity to something in the water container. Sometimes stored water can collect bacteria, mould, or algae if the pot is not cleaned regularly. Mild throat or tongue irritation can also occur due to allergies or dryness. Drink clean, filtered or boiled water for a few days and observe whether symptoms improve. Cleaning the water pot properly and allowing it to dry regularly can help prevent contamination. Warm water, salt water gargles and keeping hydrated may reduce throat discomfort. Avoid very cold drinks, smoking and spicy foods if they cause irritation. Seek medical care if the cough persists for many days, breathing difficulty develops, fever appears, or the tongue swelling and itching become severe, as these may suggest an infection or an allergic reaction requiring treatment.