@hilarys26 @nana75 @@blm1007blm1007 and all who have commented here - let's try to put this in perspective, please.
NTM/ MAC are exceedingly RARE infections. Even the most current statistics put the numbers at perhaps 100,000 to 150,000 infections in the US where our population exceeds 348,000,000. That translates to roughly 4 in 10,000 people. I know it seems a lot more common, but that is because we gather here on Connect and a few other reliable forums.

NTM/MAC is everywhere - in the soil, water, air... That means that no matter where you go, you will be exposed. Yes, soil and water features in some areas mean more people may become infected. But we're not talking about certainty, just SLIGHTLY higher risk.

So HOW exactly are we to manage? Sensible precautions! Filter or boil drinking water. Turn up the water heater to 130F+ to kill NTM. Take short showers. Avoid swamps, fens, wetlands and bogs where NTM proliferate, as well as indoor pools and hottubs. Mask in flying dust conditions in high risk areas like the garden.

I know this is overwhelming at first, but BE should not take over your life. Once you get a reasonable routine and a good care team, stop googling and "doom-scrolling" and go out and live. I probably don't say this often enough, but if you can't get past that overwhelmed feeling, it is time to seek some counseling on how to live with a chronic condition. I did it back in 2021 when dealing with 3 chronic conditions, and it helped immensely.

Dr Jennifer Honda's webinar is golden.
https://www.youtube.com/watch
My ID doc sat me down 7+ years ago and told me, "Bronchiectasis is a disease that you will live with, but you will not die from. Infections crop up from time to time, and we deal with them. Take reasonable precautions and ogo live your life."

Hugs and peace to each of you. I hope you can each reach a place of peace and acceptance.