As local water filtration technologies and infrastructure have improved in many areas around the United States, many parts of the world continue to go without a way to treat their seriously contaminated water. Not only does this water pose unique threats to the local citizens, but also to any travelers that visit. Both parties are at risk of coming into contact with some life-threatening bacteria and parasites. Even with the water filtration efforts in place, many contaminants are capable of forcing their way into local water supplies and breeding. If not found fast, this water can go on to leak out and seep its way into water supplies of local families, causing outbreaks. Throughout this post, the types of outbreaks that are common will be broken down in detail.
Many families believe they’re well defended from these types of contaminants with the water protection tools they currently have in place. However, these treatment plans aren’t operating on a guaranteed 100% filtration rate. If that weren’t enough, every single water source of the home is capable of being impacted by these contaminants. Washing your hands under the kitchen faucet? Chance of contamination. Taking a shower? Chance of contamination. Without the right treatment plans in place, these contaminants are capable of spreading intense illnesses amongst all members of a family.
Here’s a hypothetical example to explain how quick these contaminants can spread. Imagine a family that is located in a more rural environment, the surrounding areas are made up of farm fields including different crops and various animals. Imagine this rural area experiences a downpour. Excess rain picks up fecal remains from the extended farm fields and travels into nearby rivers and streams. This fecal matter is capable of transmitting E. Coli into the nearby families’ water supplies. Those infected will face harsh symptoms such as vomiting or diarrhea. Alternatively, this water can then be transmitted into the safety measures of a home, such as their sprinklers or air conditioning systems. Without noticing this contamination, the systems can go on to breed Legionella. Infection with this bacteria leads to Legionnaires disease. Which has been known to cause deadly respiratory problems in individuals.
Here are a few other various conditions that can impact families as a result of water contamination
1. Pseudomonas:
a life-threatening pathogen, with a high output of infections in the United States each year. This pathogen is most often found in living soil, in some situations can be exposed in different water sources. For most, symptoms of an infection from this bacteria include pneumonia, urinary tract infections, and sometimes even sepsis. So, it becomes more important to maintain your plumbing system as it’s commonly found within these systems.
2. Giardia Lamblia
this parasite is drawn to unclean water, meaning families that believe their water might not be safe to use should steer clear. Those infected will experience parasite reproduction in their small intestine, which will give its host giardiasis.
3. Salmonella
Any family currently housing a reptilian pet should be most worried of this bacteria. These lovely pets can be host to the bacteria known as salmonella. Infection with this bacteria is proven to cause severe gastrointestinal symptoms. Remember to properly wash your hands with soap after coming into contact with any reptilian pet or any of its surrounding area.
These are only a handful of the deadly bacteria and parasites that can pose danger to a family. Continue reading on and check out the infographic coupled alongside this post for more information regarding these dangers.
Chris Ebener is a mechanical engineer for LiquiTech, with a proven track record of diagnosing and remediating public water system iss ues of various sizes and complexity.
