What May Be Lurking In Your Water

We live in an age of advanced technology. Sadly, however, water contamination remains a significant problem around the world despite our advancements. Even in the richest nations on Earth, infrastructure issues can lead to contaminated drinking water supplies that could cause serious illnesses. Viruses, bacteria and parasites all can find their way into rivers, lakes and streams that in turn feed into the sources on which we depend to nourish us.

This is why it is so important to follow practices like having grey water systems in the house and investing in treatment processes that help ensure everyone has the safest resources every time we turn on the faucet. In the world of water management, a gray water system in los angeles (or elsewhere) plays a crucial role as it helps us reuse water from sinks, showers, bathtubs, and more, thereby reducing our dependence on freshwater. That way, the wastewater from our houses can be stopped from entering local freshwater supplies, reducing the risk of contaminating the water that we need for consumption. Failing to watch for these contaminants can bring on illness and discomfort at best and life-threatening conditions at worst.

In addition to this, regular maintenance and vigilance are crucial when it comes to the main line in your home. Responsible for directing all the greywater and blackwater from your drains to the municipal sewer lines, any malfunction in this system can lead to disastrous consequences. To avoid the risk of wastewater being pushed back into your home, it’s essential to keep an eye out for any signs of main line malfunctions. If you notice unusual odors, slow drains, or gurgling noises, it’s time to call in a professional plumber who can offer services like main line repair in Spokane, WA, or in your locality. Timely intervention can prevent potential health hazards and costly damage, ensuring that your home’s wastewater is safely and efficiently disposed of, and protecting your family and the environment.

Another major safety hazard is the presence of pigeons in your locality. Pigeons are classified as pests in many areas as they cause damage to property with their droppings, which makes buildings age faster. They also tend to live together in large numbers, and their incessant cawing and cheeping causes disturbance to people living in these areas. Besides, pigeon feces are also known to contain several dangerous parasites and disease-causing microbes. And if by some chance, the fecal matter came into contact with water, it can result in the spread of Salmonella infections. Apart from feeling the general unpleasantness within, serious symptoms of this infection include the likes of diarrhea, fever, and abdominal pain. So, it is very important that you take the necessary action and get rid of pigeons, especially if you are observing a lot of them hover around your water storage facilities.

It is also important to note that rain can wash fecal matter from farm fields into nearby rivers or streams. This causes them to become infected with E. coli, a bacteria that can cause symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea. Air conditioners or sprinkler systems that are not properly maintained can become breeding grounds for Legionella. When carried by mist and droplets, this bacteria type can enter the respiratory system and lead to Legionnaires’ disease. This infection is characterized by shortness of breath and severe coughing.

See the accompanying guide for more information about the dangers that might be lurking in your pipes.

Microscopic invaders such as bacteria and parasites may be hiding in your water supply. Read on to learn more about some of the most prevalent of these dangers.

Legionella

Legionella bacteria is responsible for Legionnaires’ disease, a flu-like illness that primarily affects the lungs. Coughing and shortness of breath are the chief symptoms, but other flu-like ailments such as vomiting and muscle aches are also common. It generally thrives in water systems such as hot tubs, cooling towers, hot water tanks and large plumbing systems, basically where the water remains stagnant. And the main way in which people are infected with Legionella is through breathing contaminated water droplets.

Salmonella

This bacteria type is easily transmittable, and can even spread from animals to people. In particular, pet turtles, lizards and snakes can carry it and transmit it to their owners. Once infected, people might experience severe gastrointestinal symptoms. These can include nausea, diarrhea, vomiting and stomach cramps.

E. coli

A common form of bacteria found in the digestive systems of living organisms, certain strains can cause illnesses when introduced into drinking water supplies. This is often caused by insufficient treatment of wastewater or being carried into freshwater by storm runoff. Consuming water contaminated with E. coli can lead to severe abdominal cramping, vomiting and diarrhea.

Pseudomonas

This highly contagious pathogen can cause a wide range of illnesses, from pneumonia to urinary tract infection to sepsis. It is responsible for more than 50,000 documented infections in the United States every year. This is due to the fact that it is extremely common and can be found in many plumbing systems and moist environments.

Giardia Lamblia

This is a parasite that people can pick up by drinking unclean water. It is highly contagious and can be spread even when the carrier exhibits no outward signs of infection. If someone shows symptoms of being infected, though, he or she may experience diarrhea, stomach cramps and a low fever.