Water Testing Kits to Detect Bacteria Growth in Water
The dangerous water situation in Flint, Michigan in the United States just continues to get worst. Municipal water was found to contain lead, it’s a disaster. They found that Flint’s water was not being enhanced with phosphates to coat the inside of lead pipes, preventing them from corroding. The chemicals are actually especially necessary in Flint’s case because its river has high levels of chloride. Elevated chloride levels make water so much more corrosive.
And then, on top of all that, Flint’s residents got another boil-water advisory on account of a water main break. This time, they have to worry not only about lead, but about bacteria like E.coli and Legionella too.
Move to the southwest of the country and you’ll find more water trouble. In Corpus Christi, Texas, people are also being cautioned against using their tap water for fear of contamination by an industrial chemical.
You might think that it’s all happening across the pond and such a concern is not relevant to you. However, it’s good to always operate on the principle that it – whatever it may be – could also happen to you. Tap water in the UK is generally safe, but it’s prudent never to take anything for granted.
Is the UK better?
As a matter of fact, there have been recent reports of Legionella contamination in different places in the country. Just in October of this year, a patient at Gloucestershire Royal Hospital was found infected with Legionella, and suspicion is strong that she acquired it while being treated at the hospital’s dialysis unit.
In November, a visitor to Walton-on-the-Naze Lifestyles, a council-owned leisure centre in Essex, contracted Legionnaires’ disease. She was infected with Legionella while using the fitness room and shower facilities, which later tested positive for the bacteria.
Meanwhile, early in December, Castleton Swimming Pool in Derbyshire was forced to close again after routine testing revealed the presence of Legionella. This is the second time this year that the deadly bacteria were discovered in the facility.
They say that ‘water is the source of life,’ but now, this saying should be ‘Clean water is the source of life’, while contaminated water is clearly the source of sickness and death. You should have measures in place to ensure that your water is always safe.
The use of filters and water testing kits should be part of your maintenance routine. Filters can only do so much. Different kinds offer different levels and kinds of filtration. Some are designed eliminate chemical contaminants. Others are more effective eradicating microbes such as parasites, bacteria, and viruses; and some can efficiently do both. For your peace of mind, use water testing kits to ensure that your water is indeed safe after your filtration efforts.