Don't Be Hasty When It Comes to Safety

High levels of certain contaminants found in drinking water may not affect a healthy person. However, it could be detrimental to an individual with a weakened immune system. Individuals that are at higher risk of developing certain waterborne diseases include but are not limited to:

Those with HIV/AIDS
Cancer and transplant patients who are taking certain immunosuppressive drugs
Anyone with inherited diseases that affect the immune system (e.g., congenital agammaglobulinemia, congenital IgA deficiency)

The information provided below is specific to the most common water quality concerns for those individuals with compromised immune systems.

Concerns for Immunocompromised Individuals

Microorganisms include bacteria, protozoa, algae, and fungi. Although viruses are not considered living organisms, they are sometimes classified as microorganisms. As we mentioned previously, the only way to determine if microorganisms are in your well water, is to test for them.

Cryptosporidium is a microscopic parasite that causes the diarrheal disease cryptosporidiosis. It is one of the most common causes of waterborne disease. Exposure to cryptosporidium is especially dangerous for people with weakened immune systems, there have been outbreaks and incidences in healthy populations as well. It is highly infectious, resistant to chlorine, and difficult to filter.

Additionally, individuals should also be aware of adenovirus, E. coli and fecal coliforms, giardia lamblia, legionella, mycobacterium avium complex (MAC), pseudomonas aeruginosa, salmonella, and turbidity. Discuss these additional contaminants with your doctor to see if testing is advised.

The risk of developing severe disease will vary depending on the person’s degree of immune suppression. Discuss concerns with your doctor to determine whether your medical condition makes it advisable to follow recommendations in our brochure and information sheet on Well Water & Individuals with Compromised Immune Systems.