Connect
Waterheater at 130 means no need for filters, showered changes etc?!
I had an email exchange with Dr Falkinham (the scientist who does all the work on exposure to NTM, especially in water sources) asking whether raising the temperature of the home water heater meant you do not have to use special filters or shower heads. As much as I have read this (and the NTM) forums, I did not understand the answer to this. It seems like so many people on here are only doing tub baths (me) or buying special and replacing special filters or shower heads. His reply is below and would indicate that we don't need to make any of those other changes if we raise our water heater temperature to 130 or above. This seems like such as easy fix compared to all of the other undertakings.
Dear Tamara:
Thank you for your reply and request for further information.
In a study of Philadelphia suburb patients, we discovered that raising the water heater temperature setting to 130 F or higher led to the disappearance of Mycobacterium avium from samples of household water, including showerheads.
That might surprise some as a showerhead will be delivering both heater (hot) and unheated water (cold). Yes, the source of water from the water heater is cold water, but in most municipalities the water delivered to homes has low numbers of NTM. My colleagues and I believe that the water heater is where NTM grow and are mixed with the cold.
We haven't tested "tank-less" or "instant" water-heaters, but logic suggests there should be no growth of NTM, as those water heaters don't have a large tank.
Like
Helpful
HugInterested in more discussions like this? Go to the MAC & Bronchiectasis Support Group.
Connect
You're lucky your water comes from a well! That is great. Question: How did you get your water tested?
Sent away for a water test kit - but I can no longer find the company on line. Took the samples according to their instructions and sent in - about a month later the results were returned.
Sue
Is this it? https://mytapscore.com/products/mycobacterium-water-test
No, not the same company, but if I was looking for a water test today, I would try them.
Sue
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
3 Reactionshello Sue, please tell us what you do not soak or sterilize, nebulizer? Aerobika?
Oh, no, it just means I don't worry about showering in or drinking my water. Since MAC and other bacteria could get into my nebulizer or Aerobika from my lungs, I wash thoroughly in hot soapy water after every use and boil in a saucepan every week.
Sue
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionLet's assume your water heater temperature is set at least 130 or higher. How about when you're just using cold water like washing dishes? Is plain cold water from faucet still "free" of mac? Maybe I'm not understanding how water heater works. Does cold water come from water heater?
The cold water is piped in from your municipality in underground pipes. One pipe goes to the hot water heater for heating and the another stays outside of heater for cold. For drinking water, I filter my water with a Life Straw and/or purchase spring water, determined to be low in NTMs. Cold water from the tap likely has a good number of NTMs due to the various build up in plumbing fixtures. Nonetheless I use this water to rinse my veggies as I usually cook them.
Thanks for your reply. So it would be "safest" to always try to use hot water, whether it be washing dishes, taking a shower, etc?
And if you’re concerned about your water, would that include brushing your teeth?
I’ve been on a cruise ship and only drank bottled bottle, used bottled for brushing my teeth and took quick showers with the shower and bathroom doors a jar a bit, to let any steam out.