Assuming the water in your home is safe is not a guarantee. Water utilities fight to keep our water treated and safe, but water systems degrade with age and the effects can be devastating. When water isn’t properly sanitized, dangerous pathogens can spread through the water supply, causing illness, and in some instances, even death.
Contaminated Water and Your Health
Pathogens which come from public water supplies can grow into large colonies in the right conditions. Learn about water microbiology and which harmful pathogens might be lurking in your water.
- Viruses
- Bacteria
- Protozoa
- Biofilm
- Pharmaceuticals
1) Viruses
Viruses are tiny microbes that can be found in water. They typically find their way into water sources through animal and human excrement and are heavily found in wastewater. These viruses have been known to cause Hepatitis A, diarrhea, and gastroenteritis.
2) Bacteria
Bacteria can also sneak around in our water. Bacteria are common in warm water bodies and are dangerous because of their quick growth and spreadability. [bctt tweet=”E. coli, Legionella pneumophila, and Salmonella are just a few examples of bad bacteria that can be found in our water.” via=”no”]
3) Protozoa
Protozoa are parasitic organisms common in all water around the world. They can get into our drinking supply through animal and human feces and is found largely in unfiltered surface water and drinking water in large cities. These parasites can cause giardiasis and gastrointestinal distress.
4) Biofilm
Biofilm is found to be the predominant mode of microbial growth in our water systems and poses a significant problem to the drinking water industry. Not do biofilms create a potential source of bacterial contamination, including pathogens, it also affects the taste and odor of drinking water and promotes the corrosion of pipes.
5) Pharmaceuticals
Unfortunately, our water supply is also inundated with pharmaceuticals, which have been found to have endocrine disrupting compounds and other unregulated contaminants. These endocrine disruptors may lead to cancerous tumors, birth defects, and other developmental disorders.
Managing Waterborne Pathogens
In order to stay safe and healthy, your water needs to be properly tested and effectively treated. This is especially vital when dealing with chronic illness or compromised immune systems. Water testing can help you keep your water free from dangerous bacteria, parasites, and viruses.
Contact us to learn more about water microbiology, pathogens, and your drinking water.