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Has anyone had their home water supply tested for MAC/NTM ?

Posted by Sue, Volunteer Mentor @sueinmn, Apr 15, 2019

Since there have been several discussions lately about whether people get MAC infections from their shower or drinking water, I am curious whether anyone in this group has had their water, soil and/or the "biofilm" in the water pipes and drains tested for the presence of MAC? Either as part of a study or by an independent lab? If so, what were the results, and what did it cost?

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tomed | @tomed | Nov 23, 2025
In reply to @halford "@pacathy Yes. Jennifer Honda told me years ago that Oahu was tested for bacteria in the..." + (show)
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@pacathy Yes. Jennifer Honda told me years ago that Oahu was tested for bacteria in the drinking water and soil and found it in both areas. Including shower heads on public showers. So what I do since I live here is to always boil my water and wear a mask when I do yard work and mask when I walk in heavy traffic areas. I do have MAC and Bronchiectasis for many years and control it by expelling mucus through nebulizing.

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@halford Thanks for noting this for Oahu. I think my spouse picked up NTM-A while we were living in Kapolei. Helpful info…

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hauoli | @halford | Nov 23, 2025

Yes, several years ago NJH came to Hawaii did testing and found bacteria in the waters and soil. And since I view the Mayo Clinic site have found a lot of places have the same problem. Let's try to be safe as possible. Hal

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