bacteria/viruses
The presence of bacteria in drinking water, especially E. coli, indicates that the water contains pathogens that can cause headaches or nausea, for example.
Common bacteria and viruses in drinking water
When you think of possible contaminants in your drinking water, bacteria and parasites like E. coli or Giardia are probably not the first thing that comes to mind. But they are particularly dangerous. If they get into our drinking water untreated, these pathogens pose a health risk to humans and animals.
coliform bacteria in water
Coliform bacteria are a family of bacteria that we have in our digestive tract. That is right and necessary. Coliform bacteria are not necessarily a dangerous group of bacteria, but faecal coliform bacteria such as E. coli can still cause serious illness.
People can become infected with E. coli by drinking contaminated water or eating spoiled food. This bacterium is too small to be seen with the naked eye but large enough to cause serious health problems.
Escherichia coli (E. coli)
Some studies suggest that 83% of E. coli infections are caused by food and water. The bacterium is usually found in the intestines of livestock and can get into your meat through contact with infected animals, human waste, or contaminated raw fruits and vegetables. To prevent this, food should be heated at 71 degrees. It can also get into your water if it's not properly filtered at your local water treatment facility. Accidentally ingesting contaminated water in swimming pools, lakes and rivers can also make us sick.
Possible health effects
The presence of E. coli in drinking water indicates that the water may contain pathogens that can cause illness:
- diarrhea
- vomiting
- Cramps
- nausea
- Headache
- Fever
- Fatigue and
- sometimes even death.
Infants, children, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of becoming ill or even dying from pathogens in drinking water.
Common bacteria and viruses in drinking water
When you think of possible contaminants in your drinking water, bacteria and parasites like E. coli or Giardia are probably not the first thing that comes to mind. But they are particularly dangerous. If they get into our drinking water untreated, these pathogens pose a health risk to humans and animals.
coliform bacteria in water
Coliform bacteria are a family of bacteria that we have in our digestive tract. That is right and necessary. Coliform bacteria are not necessarily a dangerous group of bacteria, but faecal coliform bacteria such as E. coli can still cause serious illness.
People can become infected with E. coli by drinking contaminated water or eating spoiled food. This bacterium is too small to be seen with the naked eye but large enough to cause serious health problems.
Escherichia coli (E. coli)
Some studies suggest that 83% of E. coli infections are caused by food and water. The bacterium is usually found in the intestines of livestock and can get into your meat through contact with infected animals, human waste, or contaminated raw fruits and vegetables. To prevent this, food should be heated at 71 degrees. It can also get into your water if it's not properly filtered at your local water treatment facility. Accidentally ingesting contaminated water in swimming pools, lakes and rivers can also make us sick.
Possible health effects
The presence of E. coli in drinking water indicates that the water may contain pathogens that can cause illness:
- diarrhea
- vomiting
- Cramps
- nausea
- Headache
- Fever
- Fatigue and
- sometimes even death.
Infants, children, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of becoming ill or even dying from pathogens in drinking water.