It can -@windwalker do you still have the water testing link? We operate under the assumption that we have no NTM in our pipes. Because we have all copper plumbing and a tendency to form "pink slime" (methylobacter) which doesn't coexist with NTM, we haven't tested. Stomach bacteria and acid kill mycobacteria, so unless you have GERD and aspirate the water, probably not much risk there.

Aerosolized mist, as from a steamy shower or hot tub, is a bigger risk for infection. The way to deal with this is to keep the water heater at about 140F, which kills the bacteria, and run hot water through the pipes for a couple minutes (venting steam with fan/open window) before turning to temp for shower. Also use a showerhead that doesn't form a mist, but rather much larger drops, sometimes called a rainfall shower. Some here also disinfect the showerhead periodically with vinegar.

Sue

Mammie3... I drink bottled spring water and make own ice with it. My rationale is that
-SE wisconsin where I live is considered a “hotspot” for NTM.
-I have severe GERD and aspirate what’s in my tummy into my lungs hence how I have had MAC in lungs several times.
Lots more on water/plumbing on Nationaljewish.org YouTube videos workshops on YouTube by expert Dr Falkingham.
People with well water usually are safe to drink it. Tdrell

@mammie3.... I boil my water for 10 minutes, to kill MAC.. there is still MAC in bottled water, but far less