Common Pathogens That Threaten Your Facility
Although there are thousands of kinds of pathogens and waterborne diseases that can pose a threat to your system, it is important to know some of the most common types. For reference, see this waterborne pathogens list to familiarize yourself with them.
Legionella
Legionella is a bacteria found in both potable and nonpotable water systems that proliferates rapidly in warm water environments. Legionnaires' disease, the resulting condition of being affected by Legionella, is a severe, often lethal, form of pneumonia that affects up to an estimated 18,000 people in the United States each year.
Pseudomonas
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is one of the most opportunistic types of waterborne pathogens commonly found in moist environments and plumbing systems that is a common source of infection such as pneumonia, urinary tract infections, sepsis, and multiple other ailments.
Mycobacteria
Mycobacteria is a bacteria found in water systems that is the cause of Nontuberculous Mycobacteria (NTM) disease as well as several other ailments. It proliferates rapidly in warm water environments and poses a threat when exposed to humans.
Stenotrophomonas
Stenotrophomonas maltophilia is a bacteria found in moist environments and plumbing systems and is the cause of a wide range of illnesses such as bacteremia, pulmonary infections, urinary tract infections, meningitis, and many others.
Cryptosporidium
Cryptosporidium, also known as "Crypto" is a bacteria found in water systems that is the cause of cryptosporidiosis as well as several other ailments. It is very resistant to chlorine, which is why it can survive for days even in properly chlorinated pools.
Giardia
Giardia lamblia is a waterborne parasite that lives in the intestine of infected humans or animals. You can become infected after accidentally swallowing the parasite or via contact with blood. Giardia have been proven to be extremely resistant to oxidant treatments such as chlorine.
Although many of us assume our water is clean, it’s often anything but. Utility providers and property owners must remain ever vigilant to ensure they keep their essential infrastructure safe from waterborne bacterial pathogens. Without strict protocols for testing and mitigation, the presence of bacteria and other pathogens in water can cause outbreaks of illness. Fortunately, advancements in technology have made it easier than ever to reduce the danger these pose and keep people safer.
As a leading provider of such solutions, LiquiTech has the expertise and knowledge necessary to develop a comprehensive strategy that covers every stage of treatment. With our help, healthcare facilities, commercial properties, and hotels have secured their delivery systems against dangerous waterborne pathogens, examples of which include Legionella. These properties have a responsibility to guard the health of the people who use them, which is why so many of them turn to us.
How Treatment Protocols Hold the Line
A complete testing and treatment protocol ensures that you have end-to-end protection against these waterborne pathogens. Although water may be treated before it reaches your site, that doesn’t mean it will stay that way. Storms may force untreated backwash into reservoirs and lakes. Aging plumbing may fail. For these reasons and more, it’s crucial to keep a watchful eye out and be ready to act when necessary. We provide many services to help you stay vigilant for pathogens and waterborne diseases, including:
- Testing and validation: Our advanced technology can identify thousands of different bacterial strains that may be present in the municipal water supply. With such an accurate assessment, preventative and corrective steps can be taken quickly.
- Water management plans: We map and document all of the critical control points unique to your facility or property. We also guide you in the right direction when it comes to disinfecting systems to protect the public and extend the lifespan of the equipment.
- Remote monitoring: With 24/7 remote observation, you can be alerted as soon as the quality of your water supply drops to a potentially dangerous level. This service also compiles data that can be useful for regulatory compliance and legal defensibility.
- Maintenance services: Our experienced technicians provide the crucial upkeep needed to ensure filtration and disinfection systems remain functional and efficient.