Water Survivalists For Dummies: Viruses and Bacteria
Have you ever wondered how zombies become zombie-like? Or how the living dead become zombies? Maybe it’s not a bite from another zombie, maybe it’s their water! Ok it’s probably the bite, but no sense in not checking your water just to be safe. Viruses and Bacteria are extremely common in water, and many can lead to dangerous side effects.
Common Bacteria/Viruses: Enteroviruses (aseptic meningitis, and encephalitis), Reoviruses (upper respiratory and gastrointestinal illness), Rotaviruses (gastroenteritis), Hepatitis A, E. Coli, and Coliform.
Side Effects: Every one of the Bacteria/Viruses mentioned above have various side effects, and are only dangerous at various levels. In all honesty, most people and well companies don’t test for anything other than E.coli and Coliform. You may request a water analysis for more or all bacteria, but the most common and needed for state/ town water regulations are the two mentioned above.
How can I tell if I’m turning into a zombie?: Well that, that I can’t help with, I suggest you watch some old zombies movies (they are the best). Buy all the blood you can from a blood bank, and quarantine yourself from the world (please don’t turn us all into zombies!) Best of luck!
How can I tell if there is Bacteria/Viruses in my water?: Get it tested! It’s usually cheap, around $100-400, depending on the area and laboratory price, and how much you want tested. Typically if you go through a well company you can get just a Bacteria test, or something more advanced but it is completely up to the home owner. Water testing is also a great way to tell if you have a high iron level, or any other unknown substance in your water. Water testing should be done ig yhrtr is an infant in the household, there are recuring gastrointestinal illnesses, you bought a new home or a new well, or you have filtration devices (this will monitor and will ensure that all devices are working properly)
Treatment: Treatment is fairly simple. If it turns out you have bacteria in your water, you can have a local well company chlorinate it for roughly $400 depending on where you go. Now this price seems a bit steep, but it is only because it is a flate rate regardless of the amount of bacteria, and they use a special chlorine mixture. They also chlorinate all things water, the well, shower heads, faucets, toilets, the works. Please DO NOT DO THIS AT HOME. Many customers call us claiming they poured bleach or chlorine into their well. This is extremely dangerous, only a certain amount of chlorine is allowed to enter the well. If you put more than the right dosage, you will not only get sick, but will have to drain your well before you can drink the water again. It will also kill your lawn if you are using the well for irrigation purposes. If you have long term problems with bacteria there are filtration options as well, such as the UV filtration, Ozone treatment, and bacteria specific filtration. Those are best installed by well companies, or a water specialist.
Stay tuned for more Water Survivalists For Dummies!
This article was written by: Sarah Thibaudeau. Assistant to Operations Manager
Call Northeast today 1-800-562-9355
Email: info@wellguy.com
Website: www.wellguy.com
Hudson NH, Jaffrey NH, Marlboro MA Since 1966
Comments(3)