Water in the steering rack

[guruvetim]

So I've just had the seals done on my 100 series steering rack as it was leaking into the n/s boot. When we drained the system the oil was quite emulsified, I assume water has managed to get in somehow.. this had caused some really bad pitting on the shaft which has had to be replaced with a good secondhand one.

My question is how does water get in? Both boots are in good condition not torn of split and it's mainly dry here in Zimbabwe.

I can only think it must have happened during one of the river crossings I did last year.

Any tips on how to avoid this happening again?

Cheers