Sustainable and Safe: What's in Your Reclaimed Water?

ORGANISM ILLNESS Legionella spp. Pneumonia Pseudomonas aeruginosa Septicemia (blood), pneumonia, rash E. coli, Giardia, Aeromonas spp., Cryptosporidium Diarrhea

Environmental Resources EPA Guidelines for Water Reuse EPA Water Recycling and Reuse: Envrionmental Benefits Water Reuse Association

Sustainable

Rainwater and greywater used for irrigation, plumbing, cleaning, utility systems, and cooling towers is considered a sustainable and economical alternative to potable water. Some studies predict it could reduce drinking water production by 7% and could possibly slow the depletion of groundwater reservoirs.

Reclaimed Water Safe? Think Again.

Considered cleaner than blackwater (wastewater from toilets), neither rainwater nor greywater is free of E. coli and waterborne pathogens like Legionella, the bacteria that causes Legionnaires’ disease. Water drained from showers, bathtubs, sinks, and washing machines (greywater) and rainwater collected from barrells and rooftops contain organic material and nutrients that promote microbial growth. Both sources carry health and environmental risks.

Environment for Pathogens

In a recent sampling of rainwater and greywater, Special Pathogens Laboratory found deadly pathogens including Legionella, Pseudomonas, Stenotrophomonas and Klebsiella. Other studies show E.coli in both water supplies. Untreated or undertreated reclaimed water can cause gastrointestinal illness, pneumonia, and blood and skin infections. To date, one death from Legionnaires’ disease occurred from rooftop collected rainwater.

No Safety Guidelines

The World Health Organization recommends monitoring for fecal coliforms, but no federal guidelines exist to ensure the safety of reclaimed water. In 2004, the Environmental Protection Agency reviewed requirements by individual states, which include monitoring for indicator microorganisms and other waterborne pathogens. But only 16 states have adopted or implemented treatment or monitoring guidelines. To date, there are very few if any guidelines that provide treatment plans for detecting and controlling Legionella.

Test for Legionella, E. coli, and total coliform

So, you should know what’s in your water. Special Pathogens Laboratory®, The Legionella Experts®, provides testing for Legionella, E. coli, and total coliform— the indicator of numerous bacteria. More than a lab, we also offer your total water safety solution through disinfection methods; risk assessment; outbreak consulting; risk assessment; and ASHRAE Standard 188 HACCP consulting.