How Biofilm Affects Waterborne Pathogens
Biofilm is a collection of different types of bacteria, fungi, and protists in a colony enveloped in secreted slime that allows them to adhere to moist surfaces ideal for growth. Biofilm is one of the most common techniques for the growth and protection of these microorganisms and is not only a nuisance but a potential […]
Giardia Explained and How to Prevent It
What is Giardia? Giardia lamblia is a common waterborne parasite that causes the diarrheal illness giardiasis. Humans most often come into contact with Giardia in water by swimming in contaminated pools. However, it can also be transmitted through other sources that have been exposed to stool from an infected person or animal. The water parasite […]
How to Prevent Legionella and other Waterborne Bacterial Outbreaks in your Healthcare Facility
Hospital water distribution systems can experience contamination that is not accounted for by the water treatment system provided by the city, so extra precautions must be taken in the healthcare industry to prevent an outbreak of waterborne bacteria and pathogens. These dangerous bacterial microorganisms include Legionella, Mycobacteria, Pseudomonas, and Klebsiella. They pose a severe threat to […]
CDC Legionella Report Calls for Action
LiquiTech applauds CDC for its stand on water management plans and Legionella testing. Noting a 370% increase in Legionnaires’ disease outbreaks since 2000, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has called on building owners and property managers to monitor better and control the risks associated with their drinking and service water systems. “As […]
Legionnaires in Long-Term Care Facilities
In the summer of 2013, the Wesley Ridge Retirement Community in Reynoldsburg, Ohio, experienced the largest and deadliest Legionnaires disease outbreak in state history. The assisted- and independent-living facility saw six people die and another 33 become seriously ill. The victims ranged in age from 63 to 99 and included residents, visitors, and one employee. […]
Cryptosporidium Explained and How To Keep It Out of Your Facility
What is Cryptosporidium? Cryptosporidium, also known as “Crypto,” is a bacteria found in water systems that are the cause of cryptosporidiosis as well as several other ailments. It is resistant to chlorine, so that it can survive for days, even in properly chlorinated pools. It is most commonly ingested by swallowing contaminated water while swimming, […]
Matagorda Regional Medical Center: a Clean Water Pioneer in Healthcare
Public water systems traveling into large facilities are living biological ecosystems that harbor and distribute potentially harmful, naturally occurring bacteria such as Pseudomonas, Mycobacterium, and Legionella. Nationally, our drinking water infrastructure is in need of a $1 trillion overhaul, a daunting problem for stakeholders that lack the will to address it. Due to this, there’s […]
Mycobacteria Explained
What is Mycobacteria? Mycobacteria is a bacteria found in water systems that cause Nontuberculous Mycobacteria (NTM) disease and ailments. It proliferates rapidly in warm water environments and poses a threat when exposed to humans. This pathogen can enter the body in many ways, by ingesting contaminated water, breathing in the bacteria, or allowing it to […]
Pseudomonas in Drinking Water
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a highly adaptable, aerobic, and motile bacterium that belongs to the family Pseudomonadaceae. It is a gram-negative, rod-shaped organism that is surrounded by a protective slime layer known as biofilm, which helps it to survive in a wide range of environments. It is often found in soil, water, plumbing systems, and other […]
Common Types of Waterborne Pathogens
Water from municipal water systems is often contaminated with small amounts of bacteria, parasites, fungi, and other organisms that escaped disinfection methods. The low amounts of these organisms generally do not cause disease but can pose a threat in complex or multi-story plumbing systems due to various factors. Common causes of waterborne pathogens Waterborne pathogens […]
