Thank you so much for responding 😊

My NJH doctor told me many years ago to stay away from water sources other than natural sources. This was in response to my query about replacing the water pipes in our home in hopes of removing the mycobacterium. What I learned is that mycobacterium is ubiquitous, as well as harmless to most of the population. It's everywhere - air, water, soil. According to my doctor it clings to a biofilm that lines water pipes. So, in my situation, unless the pipes from the Hoover Dam were replaced and somehow mycobacterium could no longer cling to the biofilm, there is no way I'm going to avoid it in the shower, a pool (indoor/outdoor), hot tub, etc. As one who loves to swim this was a huge blow. (I've found other ways to exercise and stay active.) And I take incredibly short rain-head (less spray) showers (with the bathroom fan running) and avoid any restaurant that uses those nasty misters (that as far as I can tell are not regulated). NTM presents many, many challenges so we all have to choose what we're willing to give up in order to live with it. Diagnosed in 2010 and unable to tolerate the meds, I've done nearly everything else suggested to stay as healthy as possible (I did balk at removing my right middle lobe...not there yet). If swimming is your happy place, the decision is yours to make. Best to you!