What organisms can be in contaminated water?
Bringing water to a rolling boil for one minute will kill most organisms. Disease transmission from contaminated water occurs typically by ingesting water. The major organisms of concern are bacteria such as E. coli and Shigella. These organisms primarily affect the gastrointestinal system and cause diarrhea, abdominal cramps, nauseas, and vomiting with or without a fever. These illnesses can seriously affect the health of the elderly, very young or those who are immunocompromised. Is bottled water safe to use? If you use bottled water, know where it came from. Otherwise, water should be boiled or treated before use. Drink only bottled, boiled or treated water until your supply is tested and found safe. Should I boil my water? Boiling water kills harmful bacteria and parasites. Bringing water to a rolling boil for 1 minute will kill most organisms. Water may be treated with chlorine or iodine tablets or by mixing eight drops (1/8 teaspoon) of unscented, ordinary household chlorine blea
