Water plays a significant role in everyday living. Pollution and scarcity underscore the issues with water, which have potentially weighed to upkeep safety and security.
Various factors have contributed to these issues, one of which is the existence of Escherichia coli in water. Where does E. coli come from?
Here are syntheses compiled to learn further and gauge this matter.
Origin of Escherichia coli
Escherichia coli, known as E. coli, is a gram-negative, rod-shaped, common kind bacterium that lives originally in the intestines of animals (such as sheep and cattle, etc.), usually in the lower guts of warm-blooded ruminant animals and can be found in the guts of humans as well.
E. coli is part of a large group of coliform bacteria that plays a valuable role in animal nutrition.
Still, the waste or feces of these animals are saturated with a high bacteria content.
Some strains of E. coli are harmless, but one dangerous strain is E. coli O157: H7. Suppose this bacteria is contaminated with your food or water.
In that case, you will likely become very ill because it produces a dominant toxin, which can potentially cause serious and life-threatening illnesses.
Worst, when ingested, death can happen.
When normal strains of E. coli inhabit the guts of animals, this can help them produce vitamin K2, which is beneficial in preventing disease-causing microbes from existing.
However, though the strain of E. coli O157: H7 is infamous, it has a destructive and life-threatening impact. It is so distinct that it can live for an extended period outside the body of its host, making it an indicator organism for animal waste in the environment.
E. coli as an Indicator Organism
Since E. coli is originally found in the guts of animals and their waste, it is a sign of pollution once it is in the environment.
When E. coli is found in water, it is obvious that the water supply has been contaminated with microorganisms like animal wastes because E. coli can live outside of its host for a long time and is considered an indicator organism.
In most of North America, a test for coliform bacteria and a test for E. coli has undergone a bacterial water sample for analysis.
If an E. coli bacterium is found in a water sample, the supply or source of water is deemed unfit to consume.
E. coli Contamination Found in Tap Water
You would probably have asked why E. coli enters your water tank. E. coli inhabits the intestines of warm-blooded animals and is often found in water tanks and bore water.
In New Zealand, most households have birds, and sometimes opossums flock onto the rooftop.
Imagine the scenario when these animals poo all over your roof, and then the rain pours. It would likely wash the poo into your tank. There are millions of bacteria in a single poo from one bird or opossum.
If this condition is likely true in your house tank, you have developed potentially dangerous bacteria from every tap in your home. Contaminants may also be found in drinking water.
Here are five relevant questions that might be your concerns, too.
How does water become contaminated with E. coli?
As mentioned above, animal waste is the only source of E. coli. The water supply or its source can be contaminated when animal waste enters the water, which can happen in several ways, one of which is from deep well water.
There are two common means that this may occur; the first is from septic system discharge. If the well cover is cracked, some septic discharge rich in E. coli will contaminate the well water.
Second, deep well water may also become polluted with E. coli from surface water, usually when the deep wellhead is below ground level, the cover has been dislocated, or the wellhead has not been correctly posed.
The surface water contaminated with E. coli can run outside the casing, into the water table, and finally, into the well water.
Can E. coli be easily removed?
Using modern water filtration equipment, various bacteria can easily be removed, like E. coli, and needless use of chemicals or power in most cases. Bring your water to a rolling boil to kill or inactivate E. coli for one minute.
After that, let the boiling water cool, refrigerate it, and store it in a clean, sanitized container with a tight cover.
You may also sanitize your well; contact your local health department for suggested procedures.
After disinfection, remember to have your well water tested regularly, at least once a year, to prevent the problem from recurring.
You can also try using a water filter. If you don't have one, you are the water filter.
Is water contaminated with E. coli a serious problem?
There was a time in the U.S. wherein an estimated seventy thousand people got sick each year because of E. coli, and around 60 died. It was believed that the total number of illnesses and deaths has been decreasing since then, but it still needs to be tested.
There is much anecdotal evidence from people who refuse to put up an E. coli removal system for years.
Eventually, when people realized a system, they testified that they felt much more energized and less tired. The water filters have cleared this because a low infection dose is suspected.
How Can I Protect My Water Supply from E. coli?
E. coli and other bacteria are not difficult to kill. Chlorine is one common approach to handling this kind of problem.
Chlorine is a disinfectant that kills bacteria. It can be mixed into the water pump and injected into the water lines.
Another method is to apply a UV system, which is popular for killing bacteria in residential drinking water. The system is plumbed into the home water mainline.
The water passing through it is blasted with bacteria-killing UV rays. It is popular because no chemical substance is added to water. It is easy to maintain and highly effective in killing E. coli bacteria, other viruses, and water-borne parasites.
How will I know if my water is safe?
Your water system must notify you if your water is unsafe to consume.
To safely know about your drinking water, refer to the water quality report you should receive annually from your local water system or call your local water system directly.
Suppose boiling is not possible and you don't have safe bottled water. In that case, a chemical sterilizer such as unscented household chlorine bleach can often make small quantities of filtered and settled water safer to drink.
DID YOU KNOW THAT…
E. coli bacteria is named after Theodor Escherich, a German pediatrician who discovered it in 1885. He originally named it” Bacterium coli commune,” but it was reclassified and named after its discoverer in 1895.
Nearly every mammal and bird carries E. coli, which has various " flavors.” These bacteria colonize humans and plenty of other kinds of animals.
It can colonize humans, birds, pigs, goats, and cows. In other words, some E. coli can colonize all types of animals. Therefore, one E. coli does not equal all.
Over one million E. coli per gram humans carry per poop. That’s right, and even humans carry that huge number of bacteria in waste in their guts. If you are healthy enough, none of these E. coli can affect gastrointestinal illnesses like diarrhea.
E. coli can be your friend, too. This bacterium can be used in the laboratory to make beneficial substances, such as human growth factor, human insulin, taxol (a cancer treatment), and epidermal growth factor, used to treat burns and wounds.
Know the Remedy of E. Coli Sickness at Home
Consult a physician if you are sick from contaminated water or food exposure. Your body will gradually fight the infection independently; no medications or treatments can cure certain infections.
Adults usually can recover from infection for a week, but you may experience severe abdominal cramps, diarrhea, and even vomiting during the period.
With this, getting lots of rest and drinking plenty of fluid is vital to prevent dehydration and fatigue.
Remember, there is no cure for E. coli infection, but there are several ways to help your body fight the illness. Follow these simple yet essential tips for a fast recovery.
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Drink plenty of clear fluids, such as purified water, hot soup, broth, and juice. Avoid apple and pear juices, coffee, and alcoholic drinks.
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Have a comforting and satisfying bed rest. Refrain from physical activities and stay in bed as much as possible to get enough sleep. Remember that rest is the key to a fast recovery from sickness.
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When you are ready to eat solid foods, eat them gradually; take low-fiber, followed by soda crackers, eggs, and rice.
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When you start eating solid food, choosing the right food for your stomach is important. Dairy products, fatty foods, highly seasoned foods, and high-fiber foods can worsen symptoms.
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Please do not take any anti-diarrhea medication because it will slow down the digestive system, and this will prevent your body from getting rid of toxins.
You may see a physician as soon as possible when you or your loved ones develop signs of dehydration like dry mouth, dark urine, tear-less eyes, or lightheadedness.
Always remember to work backward to determine the source of E. coli infection. This will protect your family and others.
Remember to practice safe food handling to prevent the spreading of diseases.
Tips on Keeping Your Home Free from E. coli
E. coli occurs naturally in humans, animals, intestines, and waste. During production, it can enter food in many ways.
The most likely to get severely ill and potentially need hospitalization are pregnant women, children, the elderly, and people with weak immune systems, especially in contact with E. coli bacteria.
Use the C-C-C-S cleaning system to minimize the risk of getting a disease or other sicknesses.
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CLEAN – Wash your food with running water, rub it thoroughly, and often rub your hands with soap. Keep your kitchen and other surfaces clean and disinfected. Always use clean utensils and towels.
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SEPARATE—Using the same cutting boards, utensils, plates, and other tools is risky when preparing fresh raw foods because cross-contamination may occur. Store raw meat on the bottom shelf of your fridge so juices or other liquids do not drip onto other foods. Also, ensure that meat, seafood, and other food preparation procedures are done separately.
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COOK—Cook all meats, poultry, and eggs properly. Use a probe thermometer to ensure the food is cooked to a safe temperature.
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CHILL – Ensure that your food is kept cold and stored properly to avoid harmful bacteria growing and being unable to take hold for a long period. Do not leave foods at room temperature for more than two hours, and keep the leftovers and other perishable goods refrigerated. Do not overcrowd your refrigerator, and keep it clear.
Always take extra precautionary measures, especially with meat, dairy, eggs, and other easily-contaminated foods.
Foods with high protein generally have the highest risk for E. coli. This cleaning system will greatly help your good upkeep, health, and safety and eliminate E. coli from invading your home.
Related Article and News about E. coli
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases
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