Micro-Organisms
Trusting the taps
There are a number of different ways that harmful micro-organisms spread and make us ill. As the old adage goes, “coughs and sneezes spread diseases”. We can also breathe in contaminated dust or water droplets, or get an infection through a cut or an insect bite. And, of course, we can eat contaminated food or drink contaminated water.
We can avoid food poisoning by washing our hands thoroughly, making sure we cook our food properly, making sure we store it correctly, and so on.
We don’t usually think about these things when it comes to water. We assume the water flowing through our taps is clean. Luckily, it generally is. That’s because the safety of drinking water is checked on a regular basis by the Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI). Numerous standards must be met if the DWI is to give the thumbs up.
The checks include looking for micro-organisms. Untreated water often contains bacteria. Chlorine (a disinfectant) is used to kill the bacteria. That’s why, when a water pipe bursts and there’s a risk of contamination, people are advised to boil their tap water before using it. This also kills bacteria.
Another micro-organism found in the water is Cryptosporidium, which can give you a two-week-long bout of diarrhoea. It multiplies in your guts and forms spores called oocysts which come out in your faeces. But don’t worry, it’s very rare thanks to the DWI’s intensive testing.
Flower ban
A hospital in Rochdale has banned flowers because of safety fears and the risk of infection.
The traditional hospital visitors’ gift will no longer be allowed after a number of senior sisters told management they wouldn’t be welcome. They say water in ageing flower displays encourages the growth of bacteria.