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!

What’s in our water?

🦠 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.

When should we disinfect our water?

Usually, our water is pretty safe, but in some situations, like when water is stored at warm temperatures or in certain plumbing systems, it might need extra treatment to prevent germ growth.

Natural disasters can damage water pipes and systems. It's crucial to treat water in these situations to prevent diseases.

It’s a good idea to treat water before using it, especially because water can get contaminated on its way from the plant to the tap. Also, during power outages, water treatment plants might stop working.

If you’re using water from rain, wells, or lakes, or recycling water at home, make sure to treat it. This helps prevent illnesses whether you’re drinking the water or using it for other purposes like cooking or bathing.

Start with a filter to remove dirt, chemicals, and larger organisms. Then, use a disinfection method like Sensiblue to kill any remaining germs.
Remember, it’s always better to be safe and treat your water, especially if you're not sure about its quality!