Water is essential for life, but it can also be a vehicle for harmful microbes and parasites known as waterborne pathogens. Understanding how these dangerous organisms spread through water can empower you to protect yourself and your loved ones.

What Are Waterborne Pathogens?

Waterborne pathogens are bacteria, viruses, and parasites that live, grow, and multiply in water. Some common waterborne pathogens include E. coli, Giardia, Cryptosporidium, and norovirus. When ingested, waterborne pathogens can cause mild to severe gastrointestinal illness. Symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and fever. Certain groups, like young children, the elderly, pregnant women, and those with compromised immune systems are most at risk for infection and complications.

Where Do Waterborne Pathogens Come From?

Waterborne pathogens originate from human or animal feces. Poor sanitation practices can allow pathogens from feces to enter water sources through various pathways: sewage overflows or inadequate wastewater treatment can pollute recreational waters or drinking water. Runoff from urban areas transports animal waste from pets and wildlife into lakes, rivers, or coastal waters. Heavy rains and flooding facilitate overflow from septic systems or cesspools into groundwater. Understanding common sources of water pollution empowers you to identify and avoid risky water exposure whenever possible.

How Do Waterborne Pathogens Spread?

Waterborne pathogens spread when contaminated recreational or drinking water is either ingested or comes into contact with open wounds. Here are some ways you may be exposed: Drinking untreated water from lakes, rivers, or wells; getting drinking water from an improperly maintained or malfunctioning water system; swallowing recreational water while swimming, boating, or playing; and eating produce irrigated with contaminated water. According to the CDC, typically, people don’t spread Legionnaires’ disease to other people, but it may be possible under rare circumstances. Simple preventative measures like water filtration, proper cooking temperatures for food, and avoiding swallowing recreational water can greatly reduce your chances of waterborne illness.

Now that you know where waterborne pathogens come from and how they spread, you have all the information you need to protect yourself and your family’s health. Be vigilant about recreational and drinking water sources. Safeguarding against waterborne pathogens empowers you and your community to thrive.