Washington, D.C. – The safety of the United States’ public water systems is being called into question following a recent report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The report reveals that more than two dozen states reported a total of 214 outbreaks of intestinal-related diseases associated with drinking water between 2015 and 2020. These outbreaks led to over 2,000 cases of illness, 563 hospitalizations, and 88 deaths.
The CDC identified biofilms, slimy coatings formed by groups of waterborne germs, as a common contributing factor to these outbreaks. These biofilms create an environment where pathogens like bacteria, fungi, and amoebas can thrive and multiply, posing a significant health risk to the public.
One of the most concerning findings of the report is the prevalence of Legionella bacteria in public water systems, which accounted for a significant portion of the illnesses, hospitalizations, and deaths reported in the outbreaks. Legionella bacteria can lead to a serious lung infection known as Legionnaires’ disease, with about 1 in 10 infected individuals facing fatal complications from the illness.
In addition to Legionella, other pathogens like norovirus, Shigella, and Campylobacter were also implicated in some of the outbreaks. These pathogens, often associated with well water, can cause a range of illnesses affecting various parts of the body, including the intestines, lungs, brain, eyes, and skin.
The report highlighted several states that reported the most outbreaks, with Illinois, Florida, Georgia, and Maryland leading the list. However, it’s essential to note that not all states reported cases each year to the CDC’s National Outbreak Reporting System, indicating potential gaps in surveillance and reporting mechanisms for waterborne illnesses.
The CDC emphasized the need for stronger water surveillance, prevention, and outbreak response programs to address the growing concern of contaminated drinking water in the United States. This underscores the importance of maintaining and monitoring public water systems to ensure the safety and well-being of all individuals.
To protect against waterborne germs at home, the CDC recommends boiling water, using certified water filters, purchasing distilled water for specific uses, and regularly cleaning and maintaining water-related appliances. These measures can help reduce the risk of exposure to harmful pathogens and ensure the safety of drinking water for everyone.