4 Tips to Protect Yourself From E. Coli in Water

Did you know that E. coli causes around 265,000 illnesses every year in the USA?

One of the leading causes of E. coli infection is unsafe and contaminated water. That’s why it’s so important to protect yourself and your drinking water against E-coli contamination.

If you’re worried that your drinking water is unsafe, you should take the time to learn a little about how to protect yourself against E. coli in water. That’s where our helpful guide comes into play.

Read on to learn the top 5 ways to protect yourself from E. coli contamination in water.

1. Boil Your Water

If you must use water from an untrusted source, boiling is a sure way to kill any E. coli bacteria.

Bring water to a rolling boil for 1 minute to destroy E. coli. At altitudes above 6,500 feet, you should increase the boiling time to 3 minutes. The water should then be left to cool before being refrigerated in a clean, disinfected container with a tight-fitting lid.

There is currently no filter that is certified to eliminate E. coli bacteria from water. Do not attempt to use a filter to make your water safe from E. coli.

2. Avoid Swimming in Unsantitary Water

E. coli infections can be indirectly contracted when swimming in contaminated water.

Standing water is a breeding ground for E. coli and other harmful bacteria. If you happen to accidentally swallow the water when swimming in a lake or unsanitary pool, you could become very sick. It is best to avoid swimming in any unsanitized water.

If you must swim in a lake or river, be sure to keep your head above water at all times. Never drink from an unverified water source such as a lake or pond.

3. Test Your Well

If you draw water from a private well, you could be at risk of E. coli poisoning. This is because standing water provides an excellent breeding ground for bacteria.

With this in mind, be sure to disinfect your well regularly. Your local authority can provide information on how to do so. You should also have your well tested by a professional at least once every year.

If you’re unsure how to disinfect your well properly, follow this helpful link for more info.

4. Use Bottled Water

The surest way to secure safe drinking water is by consuming bottled water.

Bottled water undergoes a range of filtration and light treatment procedures to ensure that it’s 100% sterile and safe to drink. The risk of contracting an E. coli infection from bottled water is virtually non-existent.

If you have any doubts about your local water supply, stock up on bottled water for cooking and drinking.

E. Coli In Water – Protect Yourself Today

So, that’s everything you need to know about protecting yourself from E. coli in water.

By following these simple tips, you can prevent serious medical complications caused by unsafe drinking water. Don’t compromise your health – put water safety first.

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