|  | Public Health Safety | Food Safety

Symptoms of Unsafe Water & Microorganisms

Microorganisms, such as bacteria, in water endanger personal and public health. According to Oregon State University, the bacterium that causes typhoid fever was often found in drinking water supplies in the United States from the 1920s to the 1960s. Even with the best public facilities, environmental factors such as agricultural chemical erosion may affect the water supply. Nonpotable water can be filled with microbes that sicken swimmers.

  1. Parasitic Infection

    • Microbes such as parasites can exist in water supplies. Giardia lamblia is a protozoan organism that thrives in water and enters drinking or public water through accidental sewage contamination. According to Oregon State University, a parasite like giardia lamblia burrows into the intestines to create hard cysts. These parasites are usually not from isolated sources, unfortunately. Outbreaks can easily occur with parasitic infection; McDaniel College notes that in 1998, the city of Austin, Texas witnessed a parasitic outbreak of cryptosporidium. All parasitic infections can cause cramps, diarrhea and general nausea.

    Sensory Signs

    • Although not all unsafe water will have the same visual signs of possible microorganisms, the Hygienic Laboratory at the University of Iowa argues that sensory signs that the water is bad are, themselves, most likely bad. For example, if there is any off odor or taste to the water, this could indicate the presence of organisms like bacteria. The bacteria could also cause a chemical shift in the water, making the water look or smell dirty. The most common bacteria class that causes this is coliform bacteria, which is generally safe. However, any sign of gastrointestinal distress is a sign that the water is contaminated.

    Severe Gastrointestinal Conditions

    • Almost all microorganisms found in water cause some sort of gastrointestinal discomfort. However, for some strains of bacteria, the illnesses caused can be quite severe. The deadly strain of the E. coli bacterium has historically been found in water supplies across the Untied States. E. coil can not only influence the gastrointestinal system, but can also spread to the nervous system, causing further damage or death in a sufferer. The bacteria H. pylori has been linked causally to increased risks for ulcers and the chance of gastric cancer in sufferers.

    Other Illnesses

    • Unsafe drinking water compromises those with weak immune systems. Infants, the elderly and those with chronic illnesses are susceptible to unsafe drinking water microorganisms more than healthy adults. The University of Nebraska Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources argues that those with already weakened immune systems may experience the harshest symptoms of bacterial or parasitic lifeforms in water. For example, giardiasis, diarrhea caused by the bacteria giardia lamblia, is easily overcome by a person's immune system over a few days. However, the ill, infants and elders might not be able to cure their giardiasis, which can result in dehydration and may require hospitalization. If a person has a previous condition, unsafe water may exacerbate that condition or illness.

Food Safety - Related Articles