Thermal power plants that comply with current national environmental protection regulations will have no impact on nearby residents. Coal-fired thermal power plants that do not comply with regulations mainly cause pollution by fumes from coal-fired power plants and pollution by water discharges. Fuel-fired thermal power plants that do not comply with regulations mainly cause pollution from water emissions, and may also have a small amount of pollution from toxic fuel gas emissions. It is basically impossible for a gas (natural gas) thermal power plant to fail to comply with regulations unless intentional human-caused pollution occurs.
It depends on the water you use. There are many types of water in power plants. There are raw water, primary treated water,refined treated water, etc. If it is recycled water, it is not recommended for swimming. It can be used whether it is raw water or refined water. Regarding the steam used by power plants for electricity generation, it can in principle be used, but I personally think that it should be distinguished according to the actual situation of the power plant. Some power plant boiler waters have been spiked with chemicals. Specific situation, specific analysis.