However, Dr. Barchowsky notes that, while lead in water is worrisome, “biologicals are the largest concern.” Biological contaminants range from e. coli to giardia to other bacteria. E. coli comes from animal or human waste getting into a water source, infected food or from contact with someone who has it. It can cause infections, serious diarrhea, nausea and stomach cramping, among other symptoms. But water companies are continuously testing for biological contaminations.
“There’s an active treatment process to make sure drinking water is safe, and it is monitored constantly,” says Dr. Barchowsky. “Water companies have a chlorination process to purify the water. Decontaminants—called chloramines—are put in the water to keep bacteria levels down throughout the water system. Water companies publish the steps they’ve taken to keep water clean. Law requires that the companies notify consumers if any problems happen.”
According to PWSA, it issued the recent boil-water advisory in some parts of the City of Pittsburgh because testing at one site had revealed a low level of chlorination. No harmful levels of bacteria were found, but consumers were cautioned in case any bacteria had gotten into drinking water because of the low levels of chlorination.
To make sure drinking water is free of any harmful contaminants, Dr. Barchowsky suggests getting tap water tested. Or, consumers can contact their water companies to ask how they are meeting environmental guidelines to keep water clean. He recommends that owners of private wells get their water tested because, otherwise, that water is not being tested.
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