Close up view of ecologist sampling water from the river with test tube.

Water pollution by biological agents

Water intended for human consumption can be contaminated by biological agents such as bacteria, viruses and parasites. This is due to the ability they have to spread quickly through water and cause acute health effects.

In this sense, pathogenic microorganisms represent the greatest risk associated with water consumption. However, thanks to the purification treatment and, above all, disinfection, the control of risks is kept under control.

Table of Contents

Origin of pathogens in water

Germs can originate from human or animal fecal matter due to inadequate prevention of the contamination of water resources or, in case of inadequate control and disinfection measures, also of the water distribution system. Such may be the case of water from rivers and wells.

Other treatments such as the use of ultraviolet light, chemical disinfectants and filtration combined with chemical treatments, can reduce the number or inactivate most pathogens.

Post-treatment control measures

All treatments require special attention after their application, such as flow protection measures (for example, non-return valves), pipe inspection, rehabilitation and washing programs to remove the biofilm.

Others go more to its monitoring such as video inspection methods and internal interventions in distribution systems, such as the installation of probes to measure residual chlorine in the water that leaves the system or in the network.

Presence of pathogens in bottled water

However, the treatments that water can receive for human consumption and the quality grades of bottled mineral water distributed in supermarkets are varied.

In some chemical and bacteriological analyses, the presence of pathogens and contaminants has been detected in the bottles of some brands, highlighting the danger to people and the fraud that occurs on certain occasions.

Solution for pathogen-free water

Rain of Life atmospheric capacitors not only offer water free of pathogens present in much of the drinking water, but also lack any chemical substance that could be harmful to health.

The Medical Director and the Chemical Engineers of Rain of Life select the most appropriate mineral mixture to add to pure water, and can even prescribe special mixtures for geographical areas or special groups, such as a higher percentage of fluoride in schools in some disadvantaged regions.

References

General Directorate of Health Prevention. (October 6, 2016). I rischi per la salute. Obtained from Ministero della salute: https://www.salute.gov.it/portale/temi/p2_6.jsp? lingua=italiano&id=4453&area=acque_potabili&menu=contaminazioni