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Water Bourne Diseases
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Water Bourne Diseases
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Water bourne bacteria invade water sources of humans and animals in a variety of different ways. These bacteria can enter the water source (surface water or ground water) via runoff from farm animal waste (fecal material), underground sewage leaks, pollution as well as numerous other sources. These bacteria can infiltrate the drinking water at alarming rates.
In a study done in parts of Illinois, results showed 25% of 10,000 private wells dug tested positive for harmful bacteria. In a similar study done in Pennsylvania, watershed studies showed unsafe levels of coliform bacteria in various watersheds.
No matter how clean the water looks, there is always the threat of bacteria that will cause humans to become very ill or ever cause death! There are far too many bacteria to list, but some of the common threats are giardia, cryptosporidium, cholera, shigella, typhoid, and even polio! A more comprehensive list can be found by visiting Dr. John Stevenson; professor of Microbiology at Miami University; web site at www.cas.muohio.edu/~mbi-ws/