10 Tips: Children/Well Water/Illnesses

June 15, 2009

Posted in Food & Water Precautions, Outdoor Recreation, Prevention, Safe & Healthy Travel No Comments »
Tags: camping, drinking fountains, drinking water, gatroenteritis, heavy rains, hiking, municipal wells, pollutants, public water systems, rural wells, water-borne, water-borne organismsm, waterborne, waterborne illness, well water

Make sure that your kids drink safe water when attending camp, traveling, hiking, camping and picnicking, says the American Academy of Pediatrics. Such summer activities often expose kids (and you) to facilities where well water is used.

Here is what you should know:

1. Many rural wells are private (as opposed to municipal) and more likely to be contaminated, says the Environmental Protection Agency. Such water may contain pathogenic organisms and pollutant chemicals. Some of these can cause significant illnesses.

2. Nearly all private wells use surface water. These wells are relatively shallow. The water is mostly runoff from rain. Pollutants may include fertilizer, pesticides, and animal waste. Contamination increases after heavy rains. 

3. Government agencies regulate public water systems but not privately owned wells. With few exceptions, well owners are entirely responsible for their own wells. Some states require that wells are installed by certified contractors and the water be tested once (for coliform bacteria and nitrates, the most common pollutants) but need never be inspected again.  

4. Waterborne illnesses are “undoubtedly under-recognized and underreported,” says the Centers for Disease Control. Individuals of all ages who drink well water are more likely to have intestinal illnesses due to pathogenic organisms than those who drink treated municipal  water. 

5. Children are more susceptible to waterborne intestinal illness than adults. The younger the child, the more likely the organisms will cause illness. Infants drink relatively more water, develop gastroenteritis more often, and become dehydrated more quickly. The fact that adults consume water without incident is no guarantee that children can do so. Individuals who are immunosuppressed, pregnant or elderly are also more at risk.

6. Water-borne organisms usually cause intestinal illnesses within days of exposure; chemical pollutants rarely cause immediate problems. Generally, most chemical pollutants must be ingested in relatively high concentrations over prolonged periods of time to cause symptoms. This is unlikely to occur with limited summer exposure. However, this can be a serious problem if exposure is ongoing. 

7. Boiling water kills organisms and prevents intestinal illnesses but can worsen some chemical pollutants. Boiling can increase concentrations of nitrates and lead, if present. Never prepare infant formula with boiled water if you think the water may contain chemical contaminants. (At home, it is safer to prepare infant formula with cold water; hot water may also contain lead from pipes.) 

8. There is no foolproof method to recognize safe water. Generally, water available in rural national and state parks (nearly always from well water) is monitored, and most likely safe. Elsewhere, ask proprietors if they use well water, if the well water passes through filters or other devices before you drink it, and if it is inspected at regular intervals. Many governmental agencies and private companies provide such services. Checking well water is especially important after floods.

9. Even crystal clear water in lakes, rivers and streams may contain disease-causing organisms. The organisms come from the same sources that contaminate wells. Teach children to minimize the amount of water they swallow when swimming.

10. Know how to disinfect water, when necessary. There are three safe and practical methods to remove disease-causing organisms from drinking water: boiling, halogens, and filters. Boiling for a minute or two is sufficient. Halogens are chlorine or iodine drops or tablets you add to water. Many types of small, portable and easy-to-use filters are available. Check websites and camping supply stores. Read instructions and follow directions carefully.

Posted in Food & Water Precautions, Outdoor Recreation, Prevention, Safe & Healthy Travel No Comments »
Tags: camping, drinking fountains, drinking water, gatroenteritis, heavy rains, hiking, municipal wells, pollutants, public water systems, rural wells, water-borne, water-borne organismsm, waterborne, waterborne illness, well water