Bacteria and Viruses In Your Home Water

Homeowners all across the North East have to deal with bacteria in their water supply. From organic waste to wild life and sewage, rural areas can be subjected to significant bacteria exposure.

Bacteria and Viruses Have Organic Roots

Nearly all bacteria, harmful and otherwise, you find in your drinking water is the byproduct of organic conditions in your local environment. Everything from wildlife decay and droppings, to potential leaking from sewage systems, have a profound effect on the amount and kind of bacteria growing in your local ecosystem.


Although sewage systems are often treated themselves, and are not intended to mix with fresh or municipal water sources, they can present a real danger to other water sources they come close to. Unfortunately, cross contamination is a very real occurrence and it can develop into hazardous water conditions over time.

  • Bacteria and Viruses present in home water supplies can be harmful when consumed.

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  • Bacteria and Viruses present in home water supplies can be harmful when consumed.

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Bacteria:

  • E-Coli

    The presence of E-Coli (Escherichia coli) in a water system is a tell-tale sign your home's water system is being contaminated by some sort of fecal waste, human or animal. These types of bacteria can be present in many things including food, but are most prominent in the intestinal tracts of mammals, where the bacteria flourishes. 


    Because of the nature of the bacteria, it is known to cause gastrointestinal issues, among more serious illnesses with greater exposure. Poor sanitation standards can exacerbate these issues,  weakening the immune system and leading to other potential health issues.

  • Shigella

    Shigella is an incredibly common and infectious bacteria in many third world countries, but is also present in most other places to a lesser degree. Shigella is waterborne and highly infectious. This bacteria has to be consumed but could easily spread simply by touching infected water with your hand and then touching your hand to your mouth. 


    Shigella is particularly hard on those who already have weakened immune systems, causing severe diarrhea and stomach pain.


  • Salmonella

    The cause of another bacterial infection that can be easily spread through contaminated food and water.  Salmonella causes diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea and other symptoms similar to other commonly found bacteria.


    If infected, Salmonella will generally pass within a few unpleasant days, but young infants and the elderly can develop more severe symptoms and additional complications.


Viruses:

  • Cryptosporidium

    Another virus with intestinal origins that is known for causing diarrhea in those it infects. Cryptosporidium is spread through fecal matter which can quickly soak soil and leak into natural water tables. This virus can be quite common in environments with lots of livestock or wildlife.


    Cryptosporidium is highly infectious and can even be transmitted through untreated milk or apple cider. Most people only experience severe diarrhea for a few days but a minority of individuals, ones with weaker immune systems, can experience prolonged sickness.


  • Coliphage

    Coliphage is another common virus transmitted through fecal matter, and is commonly used as a metric for determining if a water source has been contaminated by fecal matter.


    If there is a concern that the water in your home may be infected with fecal matter or waste runoff, testing for Coliphages would be a crucial step of the process.

  • Hepatitis A

    This is another commonly known virus that can be transmitted through water sources or directly from person to person. In first world countries, a Hepatitis A breakout in drinking water is almost always the result of a water system getting contaminated with waste water.


    In modern history, nearly all recorded instances came from untreated well water sources, where water conditions had been poor and unaddressed for a significant period of time. Well water sources should be tested yearly by homeowners to make sure there are no issues.

The Solution to Viruses and Bacteria: U.V. Light

Not only is U.V. Light one of the most effective forms of purification (killing 99.9% of Bacteria), but it is currently the only solutions for neutralizing bacteria that does not involve introducing additional chemicals into your water supply. 


Chlorination is another method that is quite effective, but as mentioned, it requires the use and consumption of chlorine, which will often require and additional method of filtration to remove the chlorine once the bacteria is killed.


We highly recommend and frequently install the Viqua U.V. Light systems for homeowners in our service area. These units run very efficiently and are the best way to eliminate viruses and bacteria in your home's water.


If you're a homeowner in New York or Northern Pennsylvania looking for water treatment options, contact us today for a hassle free, no pressure estimate. 

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U.V. Light is an incredibly effective method of water treatment for viruses and bacteria.