Are There Microbes in Your Drinking Water?
Microbes include any type of organic materials such as algae, mold and bacteria. These materials cause your water to taste and smell earthy or woody. State and federal governments require water distribution centers to provide biologically safe water, but private wells do not. Private wells are usually safe but can be affected by nearby septic systems, farm animal wastes or other sources of contamination. Shallow private wells, or those with cracked casings or linings, are most vulnerable to contamination. Runoff from untreated water from rivers, lakes, ponds or streams is likely to contain unsafe levels of infectious microbes and can enter a well’s water, causing illness when ingested. Of the many infectious microorganisms found in the environment, bacteria (such as Shigella, Escherichia coli, Vibrio, and Salmonella), viruses (such as Norwalk virus and rotaviruses), and protozoans (such as Entamoeba, Giardia, and Cryptosporidium) may be found in water. Please
