You’re probably wondering “How can this happen?” and “Is someone doing this intentionally?” To answer both questions we simply have to refer to a CDC report that an “estimate of waterborne disease associated with public drinking water, with a mean of 16.4 million annual endemic waterborne-disease cases has been estimated. These cases do not include the cases associated with non-public drinking water systems, bottled water, recreational water, and water not intended for drinking.”
We are all aware of the lengths our government goes through to keep our water supply free of contaminants and healthy enough for our consumption, but clearly as the CDC report states that tests have been made and contaminants have been found on the other end of the closely monitored water supply with strict compliance and standards, that other end is our homes.
An article about how cysts (Cryptosporidium, Giardia, Entamoeba, and Toxoplasma) are chlorine resistant so they can easily (and frequently do) get through the municipal water disinfection process. Cause gastro intestinal illness, even death for weaker people. Source of contaminant: Animal or human waste, contaminated food. Acceptable level in water: ZERO. NSF Standard 53 covers the removal of cysts. (Most whole house water filters are only Standard 42 for chlorine & sediment.)
CDC defines Cryptosporidium – (Cryptosporidiosis) as a diarrheal disease caused by microscopic parasites, Cryptosporidium, can live in the intestine of humans and animals and is passed in the stool of an infected person or animal. Both the disease and the parasite are commonly known as “Crypto.” The parasite is protected by an outer shell that allows it to survive outside the body for long periods of time and makes it very resistant to chlorine-based disinfectants. During the past 2 decades, Crypto has become recognized as one of the most common causes of waterborne disease (recreational water and drinking water) in humans in the United States. The parasite is found in every region of the United States and throughout the world.
Although staff at our watersheds and reservoirs safeguard the quality of our water supply, once it goes into distribution these standards and all measures that agencies such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA ) no longer apply our water is now vulnerable to contaminants from cracked pipes and even deteriorated old piping systems.
Having all this facts and figures, it would be negligent on our part if we don’t take any form of action to prevent the spread of these contaminants; our kids, our parents, and the future generation’s health depend on us. And it wouldn’t take much of our time we can start by simply getting the message across and raise awareness. We can do our own research and look up for answers, or even the simplest act of filtering our water source could make a big difference. No one should be in the dark, and we all deserve to have a chance to get a refreshing drink from our tap without worrying of the consequences.
