1. < MAC & Bronchiectasis

Getting home water tested

Posted by kimw @kimw, Apr 18, 2023

Hi,

I’d welcome others thoughts on whether to get my domestic hot water tested.

Since moving into the rented property I live in I have had pneumonia, then a Mac diagnosis which was treated with the big 3 for 2 years and now batting Pseudomonas.

I recently checked the temp on my hot water cylinder and the thermostat reads 44 degrees. I rang the company that manufactured it and they said the factory and recommended setting is 60 degrees.

I can turn it up to 60 but is it worth getting the water checked first or is it pointless because you wouldn’t be able to prove it was the cause of your ill health. Was healthy before I lived here.

Any thoughts welcome.

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wsbme74 | @wsbme74 | Apr 19, 2023

Hello.
This was straight from Dr. Falkinham:
"There is no need to test your home plumbing for the presence of nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM), because our studies and those of others, for example EPA, show that mostly every home in the United States in Canada has NTM."

So, I am now scrambling, new bronchiectasis diagnosis, to figure out best ways to "make safer" my home water without making myself - or my family - crazy. Turning up storage heater and filtering water will be first steps.

REPLY
1 reply
greentree | @greentree | Apr 19, 2023

Hello
I would appreciate any information on making water safer. I boil my drinking water. Not sure about “filtered “ home water. How would I go about setting this up.
Thank you

REPLY
kimw | @kimw | Apr 20, 2023
In reply to @wsbme74 "Hello. This was straight from Dr. Falkinham: "There is no need to test your home plumbing..." + (show)
@wsbme74

Hello.
This was straight from Dr. Falkinham:
"There is no need to test your home plumbing for the presence of nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM), because our studies and those of others, for example EPA, show that mostly every home in the United States in Canada has NTM."

So, I am now scrambling, new bronchiectasis diagnosis, to figure out best ways to "make safer" my home water without making myself - or my family - crazy. Turning up storage heater and filtering water will be first steps.

Jump to this post

Hi
Many thanks for sharing this. I know Dr Falkingham is an expert in NTM. I’m in the UK but I would assume the same applies.

REPLY
teedlum | @teedlum | Apr 20, 2023

Hi everyone!
I’m so new at being diagnosed and admitting I have a problem. Weird I know. 😉 would a brita water filter jug be helpful? I’m on delicious home well water right now.
Thank you

REPLY
dinaj | @dinaj22 | Apr 20, 2023

Hello,
My first time writing here but want to thank all for your questions and comments. I’ve learned so much.
Filters like Britta are a bad idea sorry to say. They do not filter mycobacteria and could make things worse by giving the bacteria a place to congregate.
Third party tested drinking water solutions include SteriPen (uv light kills mycobacteria) developed for hikers and campers. Bought mine at an outdoor equipment store and regularly use it to clear “spring water” especially when flying.
LifeStraw straws (less than .2micron filters that physically block mycobacteria) but these must be replaced and I’m not clear how to safely wash them. They must be stored in (previously boiled, cooled salty water). Looking in to getting a LifeStraw pitcher for use at home. Anyone have this?
Looking forward to not boiling water and not worrying about all the metals I’m taking in, having used metal pans on my induction cooktop for 2 years.
Other ideas, enamel coated cast iron pot for boiling water or find a glass tea kettle that you can leave open so you can boil water for 12 minutes —or whatever required at your elevation.
There is also a shower/faucet attachment made in the UK. It’s called Pall. This has also proven to block mycobacteria. Physical barrier again so need replacing from time to time. Expensive? But worth it? Good resources:
Mayo clinic, National Jewish Health, NIH, ntmir online, and really great patient info from Kelly Katz health matters lungs matter blog and Facebook page, and Linda Esposito’s Beclearwithbronchiectasis. She has written a good book and posts regularly on Instagram.
Basic precautions like raising water heater temp, regularly cleaning faucets, what to avoid … are listed on the ntmir website. Also Dr Falkinham’s webinars and info. all helpful.
Wishing you well.

REPLY
1 reply
irenea8 | @irenea8 | Apr 21, 2023
In reply to @dinaj22 "Hello, My first time writing here but want to thank all for your questions and comments...." + (show)
@dinaj22

Hello,
My first time writing here but want to thank all for your questions and comments. I’ve learned so much.
Filters like Britta are a bad idea sorry to say. They do not filter mycobacteria and could make things worse by giving the bacteria a place to congregate.
Third party tested drinking water solutions include SteriPen (uv light kills mycobacteria) developed for hikers and campers. Bought mine at an outdoor equipment store and regularly use it to clear “spring water” especially when flying.
LifeStraw straws (less than .2micron filters that physically block mycobacteria) but these must be replaced and I’m not clear how to safely wash them. They must be stored in (previously boiled, cooled salty water). Looking in to getting a LifeStraw pitcher for use at home. Anyone have this?
Looking forward to not boiling water and not worrying about all the metals I’m taking in, having used metal pans on my induction cooktop for 2 years.
Other ideas, enamel coated cast iron pot for boiling water or find a glass tea kettle that you can leave open so you can boil water for 12 minutes —or whatever required at your elevation.
There is also a shower/faucet attachment made in the UK. It’s called Pall. This has also proven to block mycobacteria. Physical barrier again so need replacing from time to time. Expensive? But worth it? Good resources:
Mayo clinic, National Jewish Health, NIH, ntmir online, and really great patient info from Kelly Katz health matters lungs matter blog and Facebook page, and Linda Esposito’s Beclearwithbronchiectasis. She has written a good book and posts regularly on Instagram.
Basic precautions like raising water heater temp, regularly cleaning faucets, what to avoid … are listed on the ntmir website. Also Dr Falkinham’s webinars and info. all helpful.
Wishing you well.

Jump to this post

I have the lifestraw pitcher. I like it. You have to replace the small filter every two months and the larger one once a year. What is wrong with boiling water in a pure stainless steel pan? What do you mean by metals from your pans? You mean non stick pans?

REPLY
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