Is Your Water
Making You Sick?
Is Your Water
Making You Sick?
Family Owned &
Operated
50+
Years in Business
Signs of Bacteria & Viruses in Your Water
Have you ever become ill after drinking tap water? Waterborne bacteria and viruses may be the culprit. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there could be as many as 12 million cases of waterborne acute gastrointestinal illness annually in the United States. These illnesses are frequently caused by bacteria, viruses, and protozoa that make their way into the water supply.
How Bacteria & Viruses Enter Your Water Supply
City Water
City water tends to be treated for bacteria. If you’re connected to public water, you may have received a boil water advisory, which local health officials will send out when there’s evidence that the water supply may be contaminated. If you frequently receive boil water advisories, installing a water filter designed to neutralize bacteria and viruses will ensure your water remains safe.
Well Water & Rural Water
Wells and rural water systems are more susceptible to bacterial outbreaks. Since bacteria like coliform thrive in feces, they’re a common problem in rural water systems and agricultural water supplies. A water test can reveal whether viruses or bacteria are present in your water. If the results are positive, a CUV system can be used to disinfect pathogens in your water using ultraviolet light.
Which Bacteria & Viruses Can Spread Through Tap Water?
E. Coli
Giardia
Noroviruses
Removing Viruses & Bacteria from Your Water
Most water filters that you attach to your sink nozzle, or that may be in your refrigerator, are not effective against germs. To ensure your water is safe to drink, you need a filtration system specifically designed to neutralize bacteria and viruses. Our experts can test your water and recommend the right water treatment system for you.
What Your Neighbors Are Saying
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I test my well water for bacteria? How often?
Beyond annual testing, you should also test anytime you notice a change in taste or odor, after heavy rainfall or flooding near your well, following any well service or pump replacement, or if someone in your household has a weakened immune system. Regular well water bacteria testing is the best way to catch problems early, before they affect your health.
What are the signs that my water might be contaminated with bacteria or viruses?
The most common warning sign is illness, especially recurring gastrointestinal symptoms like stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea after drinking tap water. If multiple people in your household experience similar symptoms, or if there’s been a boil water advisory in your area, testing is strongly recommended.
Can bacteria or viruses come back after my water has been treated?
If your well casing is compromised, if there’s agricultural runoff nearby, or if a septic system is failing, new contaminants can continue to enter your water supply. Annual testing is still important to confirm your system is working properly and that your water remains safe.
Will a standard water filter remove bacteria and viruses?
To properly address biological contamination, you need a water treatment system specifically designed for pathogen control. UV disinfection systems are one of the most effective options, using ultraviolet light to neutralize microorganisms without adding chemicals or changing the taste of your water.
How do I know if my water is safe from biological contamination?
A professional water test is the only way to know for certain. Testing typically starts with coliform bacteria, which serve as a broad indicator of potential contamination. From there, additional testing can screen for E. coli, protozoa, and other pathogens based on your water source and local risk factors.
If contamination is detected, the test results will help determine which treatment system is the right fit for your specific situation, rather than you guessing at a solution before you know what you’re dealing with.
Contact Us
When you need water conditioning services, trust Martin Water. For your no-obligation water analysis or for more information about our premium products, industry-leading warranties, and reliable service, contact us today!
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