How and when to disinfect your drinking water
Water is essential, but it can also carry invisible threats. Discover the importance of water disinfection and how you can keep your drinking water safe from bacteria, and viruses.
Why should we disinfect water?
Even though most of us have clean tap water, sometimes we need to take extra steps to make sure it’s safe. This is especially important if you've noticed a slimy coating inside your water bottle (biofilm) after it sits for a while – that's a breeding ground for germs!
Bacteria: Common ones include:
These bacteria can cause diseases, but thankfully, they can be controlled with proper water treatment.
Viruses: Some of the usual viruses in water include:
Protozoa: These include tougher bugs like:
- Giardia
- Cryptosporidium
- Naegleria fowleri
- Acanthamoeba
These are harder to kill because they have a protective outer layer. They often come from contaminated sources like animal waste.