Water Diseases and the Importance of Water Tank Maintenance
Stomach ache. Bali Belly. Montezuma’s Revenge. Beaver Fever. Traveller’s diarrhoea. These are the common names for bacteria that have entered your digestive system, primarily from sources of infection, ingestion, faecal-contaminated food, or water. Here in Australia, our main city water supplies are filtered and protected against contamination. They are regularly checked by authorities, but that does not mean problems do not occur.
Here in Australia our main water supplies to the cities are filtered and protected against contamination. They are regularly checked by authorities, but that does not mean problems do not occur.
Get Your Tank Water Tested for Giardia, Cryptosporidium and Other Water Diseases
Stomach ache. Bali Belly. Montezuma’s Revenge. Beaver Fever. Traveller’s diarrhoea. These are the common names for bacteria that have entered your digestive system, primarily from sources of infection, ingestion, faecal-contaminated food, or water.
Here in Australia, our main city water supplies are filtered and protected against contamination. They are regularly checked by authorities, but that does not mean problems do not occur.
In 1998, a highly publicised Giardia and Cryptosporidium outbreak was reported in Sydney. The outbreak contaminated the main water supply from Warragamba Dam, with authorities issuing “boil water” alerts to the city’s 4 million residents.
Widespread demand for bottled water caused havoc at shopping centres, with the effects causing a change in the habits of Sydneysiders who continued to use bottled water heavily in subsequent years. Whilst an inquiry into the event revealed that the publicity was an exaggeration of fact and the number of cases was minimised, it had brought to the public’s attention how susceptible we all are to illness from drinking water. Sydney’s 1998 water crisis.
When travelling overseas to developing countries such as Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, and South America, many Australians fall ill as they drink the local water, which is not filtered and unprotected to the same levels here in Australia. Hence, we have the common terminology of Bali Belly and Montezuma’s Revenge!
Tank Water and Giardia infections
Giardiasis infection occurs through the ingestion of Giardia cysts. Giardia is an infective, resistant cyst that colonises and reproduces in the small intestine. These cysts can survive for weeks or even months in cold water and, therefore, can be present in contaminated wells, water systems, rainwater storage tanks, and even mountain streams!
Giardia could be evident in city water treatments as it is resistant to water treatment using chlorination and ozonolysis. It can also remain in the lower intestine for several weeks. Giardia causes gastrointestinal illness, presenting symptoms such as diarrhoea, stomach cramps, and nausea. Water-borne transmission occurs, for example, when drinking contaminated unfiltered tank water or even eating food that has been prepared and washed, but not cooked, with contaminated water.
Tank Water and E.Coli (Escherichia coli)
E.Coli (Escherichia coli) is a germ or bacteria that lives in the digestive tract of humans. There are many types of E.Coli, and most of them are harmless. But some types can cause illness, symptoms which include stomach cramps, nausea and vomiting and, in extreme cases, bloody diarrhoea, severe anaemia, or kidney failure, which can lead to death. Infection occurs from ingesting water or food contaminated with faeces from human or animal sources.
Tank Water and Cryptosporidium
Cryptosporidium, also referred to as Crypto. It is also a cyst that infects through contaminated water or food prepared and washed but not cooked. Crypto is also highly resistant to disinfectants such as chlorine. It causes gastrointestinal illness with stomach cramps, nausea and diarrhoea and can remain in the lower intestine for several weeks.
How safe is your tank water? Regular water tank servicing is vital to keep you healthy
Rural and acreage residents who rely solely on tank water are the most susceptible to Giardia and Cryptosporidium from their drinking water.
In these rural settings, wildlife such as possums, birds, and cats can contaminate catchment areas, providing a water supply directly into the rainwater storage tanks. In most scenarios, rainwater is collected from rooftops, along gutters and downpipe systems, into the storage tank.
A build-up of vegetation and constant wildlife traffic can cause organic and faecal matter to get directly into the storage tank, contaminating the drinking water.
Even the most vigilant homeowners cannot prevent water supply contamination. Regular cleaning of debris off rooftops and gutters will help prevent contamination; however, thorough cleaning of sludge from the bottom of the water tank and subsequent sanitisation of the water and tank is also required.
For city dwellers who also use their rainwater tanks for laundry washing and other ‘grey water’ tasks, cross-contamination is still very easy. For this reason, it is extremely important to ensure regular cleaning and sanitisation of your water tank.
Pristine Water Systems are specialists in water filtration and can easily purify any water source. We have many quality water filtration systems to protect you and your family from these sickening diseases.
Choosing the right water filtration system for your needs is as simple as contacting us.
Water Tank Purification: Make your tank water safe to drink
Simply apply AqueousPro™ to a rainwater tank free from organic matter, and bacteria and viruses will be eliminated from the tank to your taps, freeing your household from the fear of falling sick from your water.