Filtering water yourself - which filters to use and why use them - AquaTek Pro

Although it is a much bigger problem in less developed countries,  waterborne diseases are also a threat in the United States as well.  Waterborne diseases are caused by contaminated water, which is any water  source that contains pathogenic microorganisms. Among the many types of  microorganisms that may cause waterborne diseases are:

• Protozoa
• Bacteria
• Intestinal parasites
• Viruses

When the contaminated water is consumed, the microorganisms are  passed onto the individual drinking the water. In some cases, waterborne  diseases simply cause unpleasant symptoms and can be easily treated.  However, others have been found to be fatal, particularly when  insufficient medical treatment is provided. Waterborne diseases found in  municipal and well water can be removed.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), only about  22.5 outbreaks occur per year, with an average of about 4,640 to 9,331  people infected annually. Those cases occurred mostly as a result of  water coming from non-community systems (as opposed to community or  individual systems). Fortunately, the majority of waterborne disease  cases are not fatal. The EPA reports that an average of 6 people per  year die of a waterborne disease.

• Amebiasis: caused by protozoa. Symptoms include fatigue, diarrhea, flatulence, abdominal discomfort and weight loss.
• Campylobacteriosis: caused by bacteria. Symptoms include diarrhea, abdominal pain and fever.
• Cholera: caused by bacteria. Symptoms include muscle cramps, vomiting and diarrhea.
• Cryptosporidiosis: caused by protozoa. Symptoms include diarrhea and abdominal discomfort.
• Giardiasis: caused by protozoa. Symptoms include diarrhea and abdominal discomfort.
• Hepatitis: caused by a virus. Symptoms include fever, chills, jaundice, dark urine and abdominal discomfort.
• Shigellosis: caused by bacteria. Symptoms include bloody stool, diarrhea and fever.
• Typhoid fever: caused by bacteria. Symptoms include  fever, headache, constipation, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, loss of  appetite and an abdominal rash.
• Viral gastroenteritis: caused by a virus. Symptoms include gastrointestinal discomfort, diarrhea, vomiting, fever and headache.

Although these are all potential waterborne disease threats within  the U.S., some are more common than others. For example, cholera and  typhoid fever were the most common of the waterborne diseases in the  U.S. during the late 19th and 20th centuries, but have dropped  dramatically in the decades since.

Today, the most waterborne disease outbreaks in the U.S. have  resulted from either giardiasis or cryptosporidiosis. These two  waterborne diseases are marked by an ability to survive in cold water, a  low dose required for infection and a resistance to some of the water  treatment practices commonly used today. Fortunately, researchers are  using information about the outbreaks of these diseases to further  update and improve water treatment practices and standards all over the  country.

The following are some of the best tips for avoiding a waterborne disease:

• Don’t assume that all bottled water is safer than tap water.  Tap water must meet EPA standards while bottled water does not have to.  In addition, bottled water does expire, so always check the label  before drinking any. Furthermore, make sure your bottled water has been  kept in a dry place out of direct sunlight at room temperature or  cooler.
• Be especially careful about the water you drink if you have a weakened or suppressed immune system.  An outbreak of a generally non-lethal waterborne disease became  extremely serious in one community because it was contracted by dozens  of people who had AIDS. Similar severe reactions to waterborne diseases  can also occur in those who are elderly, have had an organ transplant or  have a chronic disease which weakens their immune system.
• Watch for news about water sanitation in your newspaper, on the radio or on TV.  Water companies are legally required to let you know if your water  supply is contaminated. You can also read annual reports from the water  supplier about the safety of their product.
• If you find out that your water supply is not sanitary, be sure to boil your water for at least one minute before using it. You can also used bottled water as a supplementary source of water until the water supplier meets sanitation guidelines.
• If you drink from a private drinking water well rather than a  local public water system, be sure to have your water safety checked.  Private wells are not regulated by the EPA standards that are set upon  public water suppliers, so these are susceptible to waterborne diseases.  The EPA recommends having your well water tested annually for total  coliform bacteria, nitrates, total dissolved solids, pH and any  contaminants that you suspect your water may have been exposed to.
• Do not expose your water supply to harsh chemicals or pesticides. These substances create the potential for waterborne disease and other illnesses.