1. < MAC & Bronchiectasis
Mentor

Have you had your water tested?

Posted by Sue, Volunteer Mentor @sueinmn, Jan 19, 2020

There has been some recent discussion about having home water supply tested for MAC/NTM. People seem to be having difficulty finding a resource to have this done. If anyone has had their home tested, could you please let us know a few details? Here are some of the questions, but you don't have to answer all of them - any info you can provide will be helpful:
Which lab(s) did you use?
What was the approximate cost?
What was the sampling process?
What was the turnaround time?
What did you learn, how detailed was the report, and was it understandable to a layman who is not a microbiologist?
Did the lab have someone you could contact directly with questions, either by phone or email?
Overall, how satisfied were you with the test?
Thank you for any help you can give!
Sue

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the MAC & Bronchiectasis Support Group.

Armando | @bolso1 | Jan 14, 2023
In reply to @sueinmn "The short answer to the question is no - only point of use filtration at the..." + (show)
@sueinmn

The short answer to the question is no - only point of use filtration at the .2 micron level removes mycobacterium. In fact, system filters can actually provide a place for the NTM to grow. In addition, if you remove the NTM with a whole house filter, but the water sits in your pipes & taps which are already contaminated, it will pick up bacteria.
Sue

Jump to this post

Dear Sue,
A couple of points to clarify your response:
1) Your statement “In fact, system filters can actually provide a place for the NTM to grow. ” might confuse readers as to the real value of using 0.2 micron filters, which prevent the passage of NTM, even though this may grow in the filter. Some filters that have been shown not to be effective for NTM are those charcoal-based, which are very popular.
2) Regarding your next statement “ if you remove the NTM with a whole house filter, but the water sits in your pipes & taps which are already contaminated, it will pick up bacteria.”, it would be useful to clarify that it applies to the water that sits in your pipes and taps after the filter, in other words, between the filter and the point of delivery.
Armando

REPLY
1 reply
Mentor
Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | Jan 14, 2023
In reply to @bolso1 "Dear Sue, A couple of points to clarify your response: 1) Your statement “In fact, system..." + (show)
@bolso1

Dear Sue,
A couple of points to clarify your response:
1) Your statement “In fact, system filters can actually provide a place for the NTM to grow. ” might confuse readers as to the real value of using 0.2 micron filters, which prevent the passage of NTM, even though this may grow in the filter. Some filters that have been shown not to be effective for NTM are those charcoal-based, which are very popular.
2) Regarding your next statement “ if you remove the NTM with a whole house filter, but the water sits in your pipes & taps which are already contaminated, it will pick up bacteria.”, it would be useful to clarify that it applies to the water that sits in your pipes and taps after the filter, in other words, between the filter and the point of delivery.
Armando

Jump to this post

Thanks Armando! I usually reread my replies before I press send, but I think my fingers got ahead of my brain - then I ran out the door to an event.
Sue

REPLY
irenea8 | @irenea8 | Jan 14, 2023

when you do the water test should you test your hot water rather than cold? I would assume NTM could be in the hot water tank.

REPLY
1 reply
Mentor
Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | Jan 15, 2023
In reply to @irenea8 "when you do the water test should you test your hot water rather than cold? I..." + (show)
@irenea8

when you do the water test should you test your hot water rather than cold? I would assume NTM could be in the hot water tank.

Jump to this post

NTM is generally in biofilm that sticks in the water pipes and taps, as well as potentially being in the water supply. If the water heater is maintained at 130F or hotter, there will be little NTM there.
For testing, follow the specific instructions of the company you choose.
Sue

REPLY
View MoreView Less
Please sign in or register to post a reply.