Avoiding Dangerous Water-Based Bacteria In The Home

Many advancements have been made in the way that the water we encounter on a regular basis is filtered and decontaminated. However, despite these advancements, a number of families around the world are still exposed to contaminated water every year. Different viruses, bacteria and parasites can infiltrate our surrounding bodies of water which in turn can seep into our homes’ water sources. For this reason, it’s imperative to follow the best practices and invest in treatment processes that ensure your family is receiving uncontaminated water at home.

For those living in more rural parts of the country, an example of contamination could go something like this. A few days’ worth of rain can wash the fecal matter from the surrounding farms into the nearby rivers and streams. Those bodies of water are now infected with E. coli as a result. This is just an example of an external environment being affected, though. Your family and home could be in danger as a result of contaminated water as well. For example, your home’s air conditioning and sprinkler systems could be filled with water that is carrying Legionella. The droplets and mists that this water would emit could then enter your family’s respiratory systems and cause Legionnaires disease.

All of the situations above spell clear danger for your family, but these only scratch the surface of the number of water contaminants that could be invading your home. An additional list of these contaminants has been included below:

Pseudomonas: at worst a life-threatening pathogen, pseudomonas is a very common cause of documented infections in the United States each year. This bacteria can be found in living soil in addition to water sources. For most, symptoms of an infection from this bacteria include pneumonia, urinary tract infections, and sometimes even sepsis. For the safety of your family, regularly maintenance your plumbing systems as it’s most commonly found within these systems in the home.

Giardia Lamblia: this parasite is commonly known to infect its victims through the drinking of unclean water. Through reproduction in the infected’s small intestine, this bacteria gives its host giardiasis. This condition includes symptoms of diarrhea, stomach cramps and even fevers.

Salmonella: if your family includes a reptilian or amphibious pet, they could be at risk of this bacteria as well. Mostly transferred through lack of disinfecting after touching these creatures, symptoms could include severe gastrointestinal problems. Nausea, diarrhea and vomiting are the most common.

For more information on how to avoid these contaminants finding their way into your home, check out the infographic below.

Chris Ebener is a mechanical engineer for LiquiTech, with a proven track record of diagnosing and remediating public water system issues of various sizes and complexity. Ebener is an expert on the biochemical makeup of facility water systems, system architecture and various methodologies of public drinking water treatment.