Did you know that according to the CDC, 1 in 44 people become ill from waterborne sicknesses each year? Waterborne illnesses are a significant threat to public health and can lead to widespread outbreaks of dangerous diseases and severe health complications in vulnerable individuals.

Water treatment plants play an important role in purifying water to make it safe to consume and prevent the spread of these waterborne illnesses.

Different Types of Waterborne Illnesses

Cholera

Cholera is a waterborne bacterial infection caused by the bacterium vibrio cholera. It is passed through contaminated water or food and can lead to severe dehydration. If left untreated, it can be fatal.

The symptoms of cholera can range from mild to severe. Some infected people, especially if they’re healthy and have only a mild case, do not display any symptoms at all. Here are some symptoms of cholera to look out for:

• Watery Diarrhea
• Dehydration
• Electrolyte Imbalance
• Nausea and Vomiting
• Muscle Cramps
• Rapid Heart Rate
• Low Blood Pressure

Giardiasis

Giardiasis is a type of intestinal infection caused by the microscopic parasite giardia lamblia. Giardiasis is transmitted through water or food that is contaminated with giardia cysts.

Giardiasis is not usually a deadly or life-threatening condition but can lead to fluid loss that should be treated with prescribed antimicrobial medications like metronidazole or tinidazole.

Common symptoms of giardiasis include:

• Diarrhea
• Abdominal Pain
• Nausea and Vomiting
• Flatulence (Gas)
• Fatigue
• Weight Loss
• Fever

Cryptosporidiosis

Cryptosporidiosis is another type of waterborne infectious disease and is caused by the microscopic parasite, cryptosporidium. A person catches cryptosporidiosis by ingesting water with oocysts (single-celled protozoa) from the feces of an infected person or animal.

Cryptosporidiosis typically isn’t deadly and can even resolve on its own. However, if a person infected with the disease has a weakened immune system or any underlying health issues, cryptosporidiosis could cause more severe health complications like chronic diarrhea, weight loss and malnutrition.

Symptoms of cryptosporidiosis are usually gastrointestinal and include things like:

• Watery Diarrhea
• Abdominal Cramps
• Nausea and Vomiting
• Weight Loss

Legionnaires' Disease

Legionnaires’ disease is a severe form of pneumonia caused by the bacterium legionella pneumophila. It is often found in building water systems, hot tubs, whirlpools, evaporative coolers and decorative fountains. A main differentiator is that the bacteria is typically introduced into the body via respiration (breathing in airborne droplets of infected water).

Unlike the other diseases listed, which are primarily gastrointestinal, the symptoms of legionnaires’ disease more closely resemble pneumonia and include:

• Persistent Cough
• Shortness of Breath
• High Fever
• Muscle Aches
• Headache
• Chest Pain
• Gastrointestinal Symptoms

Individuals with legionnaires' disease can usually recover if they seek treatment quickly. In some cases, Legion’aires' disease can be fatal and lead to complications such as respiratory failure, kidney failure or septic shock.

Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A is a viral infection that is caused by the Hepatitis A virus (HAV). Hepatitis A specifically infects the liver, causing acute inflammation.

Hepatitis A is spread through sewage-contaminated water, shellfish from contaminated water and contaminated drinking water that contains the virus.

Symptoms of Hepatitis A include:

• Fever
• Fatigue
• Nausea and Vomiting
• Abdominal Pain
• Jaundice
• Dark Urine
• Pale-Colored Stool

Norovirus

Norovirus, also known as the stomach flu, is a highly contagious form of gastroenteritis and affects people worldwide. Norovirus is known to spread from food, water, contaminated surfaces and in areas where people are in close quarters such as schools, healthcare facilities and cruise ships.

Most people develop symptoms very quickly after exposure, typically within 12 to 48 hours. While symptoms can be highly unpleasant, they are usually never life-threatening and resolve on their own within one to three days.

If you have norovirus you may experience:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Abdominal Cramps
• Fever
• Muscle Aches
• Headaches

Handwashing and proper hygiene is the best way to stay safe from norovirus, especially during winter months where the illness is more common.

How Do Water Treatment Plants Prevent Waterborne Illnesses?

Water treatment plants protect against waterborne illnesses through a series of treatments that includes the removal of contaminants from water, as well as disinfection and advanced filtration treatments.

Water treatment plants ensure that the water system does not contain any of the harmful bacteria, parasites or viruses that lead to these harmful illnesses in the first place, making them crucial for public health.

Southern Green Industries Believes Every Atlanta Resident Deserves Clean Water

Here at Southern Green Industries, we believe that strong and effective measures should be taken to eliminate harmful bacteria, parasites and viruses from the water we consume. We strive to be part of the solution through highly effective grease trap wastewater treatment in our own cutting-edge wastewater treatment facilities.

By utilizing our grease trap cleaning services for your business, you can actively play a part in both protecting our sewer systems from FOG and keeping Georgia’s water clean.

For a free quote, give us a call today at (404) 419-6887.