Our Water Mains Contaminate Us with E. Coli, Lead and Copper – Preventable Illness and Death Follow

The title of this article may seem abrasive, but the stakes are human lives that are affected by E. coli infections and drinking water contaminations by lead and copper. First of all, this research targets a new and urgent understanding of a common cause for E. coli outbreaks, which results in many illnesses and deaths every year. As part of a world-wide problem, E. coli infects more than 73,000 people and kills more than 60 people every year in the U.S. alone. Also a connection exists between urinary tract infections and water main break transmissions of E. coli, where five to seven million cases strike each year in the U.S. Methods are confined to an extensive literature review and detailed studies of pertinent topics. Research concludes that a phenomenon referred to as water hammer breaks underground water mains, and underground E. coli enters water mains during power outages or pressure losses to distribute E. Coli to our homes, businesses and irrigation systems to drive E. coli outbreaks. People die from E. coli, and illnesses and deaths are preventable. New theory proves that water systems are infected during normal operations that crack water mains to permit E. coli ingress into pipes to infect homes, businesses and irrigation. E. Coli infection outbreaks can be stopped. Essentially, water hammer breaks water mains, E. coli enters piping during power outages and other system shutdowns, infected water is pushed to customers ahead of any disinfectants that are added prior to return to service, and infections spread to water consumers. The most important research conclusion is that E. coli infections will stop by controlling water main break destruction and controlling water operations after power outages and water pressure losses. A parallel health concern relates lead and copper contaminations of water supplies to water hammer induced water main breaks. Another important finding proves that lead and copper contamination of drinking water systems can be minimized. If water hammers are reduced, water main breaks will be reduced, and infections and contaminations will be reduced. Although facts explain observations of lethal E. coli outbreaks, experimental validation of theory following a future outbreak is required. There is more work required, but if people are unaware of this pandemic health hazard, no work will be done, and the hazard will continue. The learning curve to safe drinking water should not climb slowly, but should sharply leap to save lives and ensure water safety.