Waterborne infections are any illnesses caused by drinking water contaminated with certain germs or “pathogens” like bacteria, viruses or parasites. Examples include E.coli, Campylobacter, Salmonella, Giardia and Cryptosporidium.
Waterborne infections spread when drinking water contains:
When many people get sick from an infection it is called an ‘outbreak’. Outbreaks can happen when the source of drinking water is not properly treated or when water storage tanks or reservoirs become infected with germs.
It is difficult to identify waterborne infections that happen outside of an outbreak. Most types of illness spread by water can also be spread by food, or directly from other people or animals.
Many people who get infected with a waterborne infection will have no symptoms at all. They may not know they are infected. Over time, the germs move through the digestive system and leave the body through feces (waste).
If you do get sick, how you feel depends on the type of infection. For many waterborne infections, you start feeling sick 2 to 10 days after drinking infected water.
You may have the following symptoms:
If you have fever, swollen glands or changes in your vision, see your health care provider immediately.
People who have a greater chance of getting sick include:
People more sensitive to waterborne illnesses can have severe reactions and serious complications, including death. Speak to your health care provider if you have a weakened immune system or are concerned about the quality of the drinking water in your community. For more information, visit HealthLinkBC File #56 - Preventing water-borne infections for people with weakened immune systems.
Although the risk is relatively low of getting Toxoplasmosis through drinking water, this disease is a concern for pregnant people. For more information, visit HealthLinkBC File #43 - Toxoplasmosis.
See your health care provider as soon as possible if:
Notify your local public health unit so that the source of infection can be located and controlled.
Do not drink water directly from lakes, streams, rivers, springs, creeks or ponds. This water may be infected by the feces (waste) of infected animals or humans.
Do not drink water directly from lakes, streams, rivers, springs, creeks or ponds. This water may be infected by the feces (waste) of infected animals or humans.
Boiling is the best way to kill bacteria, viruses and parasites. Generally, you must boil water for at least 1 minute, or 2 minutes if you are at an altitude over 2,000m.
If your community has a boil water advisory or notice, or you are concerned about the quality of the water in your community, visit HealthLinkBC File #49b - Disinfecting drinking water.
If you have concerns about the quality of the water you are drinking, contact the local environmental health officer at the health authority. Visit www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/environment/air-land-water/water/water-quality/drinking-water-quality/health-authority-contacts or contact your local health authority by phone at:
The local water supplier is responsible for providing safe drinking water. A water supplier is the local agency or person who owns and operates the drinking water system. They also collect and deliver safe drinking water.
The water supplier may be your local or regional government. Many smaller public drinking water systems in British Columbia are owned and run by private owners or water companies.
If you own your home and have your own water supply, such as a well, then you are responsible for testing and treating your water to determine if it is safe for you and your family to drink.
No matter who the water supplier is, they must take responsibility to make sure drinking water is properly treated before delivering it to those who drink it. For more information, visit HealthLinkBC File #05b - Well water testing or contact your local environmental health officer.
Water suppliers use primary disinfection to kill or remove germs from water. Primary disinfection might include one or more of the following treatment technologies:
After primary disinfection is done, a low concentration of disinfectant is maintained in water. This is a secondary disinfection to protect the water as it travels through the distribution system to your home.
Always treat your water if:
If your community is given a ‘boil water’ or ‘water quality’ advisory, you should follow your health authority’s instruction on how to use your water safely.
Call toll-free in B.C., 8-1-1, or 7-1-1 for the deaf and hard of hearing to get personalized assistance. Speak to a navigator who can guide you to reliable health information or connect you with a health professional. Translation services are available in over 130 languages.
