What, Why & How.....

1.0: Intro

Water is one of Earth’s most vital resources, yet as it flows through streams, seeps into underground aquifers, or settles in lakes, it often becomes exposed to harmful bacteria. Historically, before the implementation of residential and municipal water disinfection systems, waterborne diseases caused widespread illness and death. Even today, in many developing regions, the absence of access to disinfected water leads to preventable tragedies.

While most people now rely on city water systems, reducing concerns about waterborne bacteria, private well owners and those using untreated sources still face significant risks. Regular water testing, combined with effective filtration and disinfection methods, can eliminate bacteria and other pathogens, safeguarding health and preventing disease.

2.0: What are the common bacteria found in water?

Water serves as a habitat for various microorganisms, including protozoa such as Giardia and Cryptosporidium, and bacteria like E. coli, Shigella, and Salmonella, which pose significant health risks. Additionally, water can carry viruses such as rotavirus and norovirus. Acting as a universal solvent, water collects dissolved salts, organic matter, and minerals as it travels from rain to the earth and into aquifers.

Contaminants like fecal matter and decaying animals in the soil can introduce waterborne pathogens into our water supplies. While not all bacteria in water are harmful, some can impart an unpleasant, moldy, or earthy taste and odor, making it worthwhile to remove them for improved water quality.

Modern water treatment techniques, such as chlorination and ultraviolet (UV) disinfection, have significantly reduced the prevalence of waterborne diseases like typhoid, which were common in the early 20th century. However, individuals relying on private wells or natural water sources must remain vigilant. Unlike municipal water systems, private wells are not regulated by strict government standards. Therefore, well owners must regularly test their water, monitor their systems, and implement disinfection measures to ensure their water is safe and free from harmful pathogens.

3.0: How to test water for bacteria?

Even if your water comes from a public supply, testing for bacteria is recommended,  municipal systems are routinely monitored for safety however the water source that is used and dated water piping infrastructure means that all water used for cooking, brush teeth or even showering and washing hands should be tested on a regular basis. For those relying on private water sources, the responsibility for ensuring water safety falls on you. Regular testing is essential to maintain the health of your household and to keep a record of your water supply's condition.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends testing private wells annually for total coliform bacteria, nitrates, total dissolved solids (TDS), and pH levels. With Bamboo Systems installed, water supply will be tested every 3 months to establish trust, transparency and confidence from the community, or you can contact a certified state laboratory for testing services. Most labs provide sample containers for you to fill directly from your faucet, while others may offer to collect the samples for you.

If collecting samples yourself, it is crucial to follow the provided instructions carefully. Mishandling the containers or improper sampling can lead to inaccurate results, such as false readings for coliform bacteria. Proper testing ensures your water remains safe and free from harmful contaminants.

4.0: How to remove bacteria from water?

Bacteria in water can be eliminated or inactivated through methods such as UV disinfection, distillation, ozonation, chlorination, boiling or our Bamboo Nano Filtration system. While some disinfection methods don’t physically remove bacteria, they prevent them from reproducing, making them harmless to consumers. For instance, UV disinfection works by deactivating the DNA of microorganisms, stopping their ability to multiply and cause waterborne illnesses. Other methods, like distillation, physically separate microorganisms from the water, completely eliminating the threat.

Certain microorganisms, such as Giardia and Cryptosporidium cysts, can also be removed using mechanical filtration. For example, Giardia cannot pass through a filter with a pore size of one micron or smaller. If your water source, such as a private well, is compromised by microorganisms, regular mechanical filtration alone is not sufficient. Newer technologies like the Bamboo Nano Technology has proven to be able to remove ALL bacteria listed under the NSF standards.

If you rely on filtration for cyst reduction or removal, it’s important to use a filter certified under NSF Standard 53 or independently tested to meet the same criteria. This certification guarantees that the filter has been evaluated and approved to effectively reduce or remove contaminants that may pose health risks.