Connect
Well Water Testing/Water Treatment Systems
I have been recently diagnosed with MAC lung disease, specifically MAC avium. Our home is on well and septic, and since our water is so good, we don't have any water treatment systems in place. Upon diagnosis, I had my well water tested per EPA testing protocol and our water is good. Bacteria testing yielded no E.coli, coliform, iron related bacteria, sulfate reducing bacteria. Moderate slime forming bacteria. Our water heater is set at 150 deg F.
I would like to have my water tested for MAC prior to installing a new water treatment system. Noticed that there is a lab in Pittsburg that can do this testing. One water treatment recommendation uses chlorine with activated carbon and R/O for drinking. Not sure what system to install. Greatly appreciate the help.
Lorraine
Like
Helpful
HugInterested in more discussions like this? Go to the MAC & Bronchiectasis Support Group.
Connect
lorrainewenn @lorrainewenn Sorry to hear about the MAC. You'll hear from others who can provide practical advice about what they've done in their homes. In the meantime, here's the revised 2021 May report from Dr. Falkinham. Also, he wrote an [academic] book on the subject released in March, 2023, "Opportunistic Premise Plumbing Pathogens".
Reducing Exposure to Nontuberculous Mycobacteria (NTM) (Reducing-Exposure-to-Nontuberculous-Mycobacteria-NTM.pdf)
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 Reactions@lorrainewenn A good well is a blessing. If I were you, I would have it tested for Mycobacteria, and if it's clean, just leave it alone. Every time you introduce a new component, you introduce a new opportunity for contamination and a new place for bacteria to hide. (Chlorination does not kill Mycobacteria)
If you feel the quality is good, why are you thinking about filtration?
Sue
I heard once that mycobacteria hasn't been found in well systems. Has anyone else heard this. We just moved to a new home which is on a well.
Thanks
According to report above by Falkinham, "well- water (groundwater) has very low numbers of NTM."
"NTM enter drinking water systems attached to soil particulates from surface waters. The source of NTM in household plumbing is piped water from a utility; well- water (groundwater) has very low numbers of NTM. Drinking water distribution systems are ideal habitats for NTM as chlorine kills off competitors for the limited nutrient allowing the slowing growing NTM to grow on low concentrations of nutrients (Falkinham et al., 2001)."
I would like to have our water tested for Mycobacteria. Does anyone know where that can be done?
I used this company My Tap Score - https://mytapscore.com/collections?utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=General%20Water%20Testing&utm_term=water%20testing%20labs&utm_content=Lab%20Testing
It is pricey but I felt that it was worth it. My RO water came back clean with no mycobacterium found and they test a slew of mycobacteria. I also drink from a LifeStraw bottle and change the filter regularly.
Good luck!
Carolyn
BOIL YOUR TAP WATER! For at least 15 minutes. This is recommended for MAC patients, but I was already boiling mine, since our water system is not very good.
Hello,
when you buy the test is it specifically for MAC or a general bacteria content test? Thank you
Hi, I did mine a few years back and requested the specific mycobacterium test. You would have to check what they have available as it has been awhile for me.
PS - click on "Shop Tests" then click on "Biology". You will find mycobacterium test there for $375