3 Effective Ways of Removing Brain-Eating Amoeba From The Water
If your well water has high levels of amoebic organisms in it, you should know how to get rid of it, or else you’ll probably end up feeling sick. Following are the most common water treatment methods for this pathogen.
Reverse Osmosis Systems
Are you looking to protect yourself from amebiasis and other water-borne diseases? Reverse osmosis systems are your best bet. Reverse osmosis water systems pass the water through a membrane with incredibly tiny pore size. These small pores in the RO system block any contaminant, including amoebas, bacteria, microplastics, and metals. Does that mean we are 100% safe? No.
Amoebas proliferate in the form of cysts. Unfortunately, not all reverse osmosis systems can filter out these cysts. So, if you have previously filtered tap water, then with time, these cysts can again give rise to the parasite in this already filtered water.
Therefore, for cyst reduction, choose a reverse osmosis water system labeled NSF 53 or 58. If your reverse osmosis system does not have this labeling, make sure it has an absolute pore size of 1 micron. Only these reverse osmosis systems will help you in cyst removal.
If your reverse osmosis system cannot remove cysts and Cryptosporidium from the water, then the least you can do is to use UV light. UV light exposure kills a multitude of pathogens making water safe.
Chloride Bleaching
Chlorination is a process that oxidizes and eliminates unwanted contaminants from water, including brain-eating parasites. Naegleria fowleri does not cause illness upon ingestion. The infection occurs when it travels through your nose to the brain, where it can cause fatal meningitis. That is why it is pertinent to remove it from pools.
Since chlorination is an affordable and practical method, you can easily use it in your swimming pool. The recommended concentration is 1 to 4 ppm chlorine for pools and 2 to 4 ppm for hot tubs. It is the most common water treatment method.
Boiling
Boiling the well water before consuming it is mandatory if you do not have any other filtration setup. The temperature for boiling needs to be above 113 ° Fahrenheit to kill the parasite. Make sure to use a stovetop or electric kettle to get the job done right. Below this temperature, the amoeba will not be affected; instead, it will survive and divide. You can use this boiled water for sinus irrigation as well.
What is Amoeba?
Amoeba is an invisible, potentially deadly creature found in drinking water. It thrives in warm and moist environments, making it a particular threat in the summer months. There are various species of amoebas; some are pathogenic, others are not.
They spread through cysts; these cysts are small and tough. The smallest cyst size for Naegleria Fowleri is 7 to 15 microns. Therefore regular filters can not remove them.
Their adult ones are called Trophozoites; these are the ones that are harmful to your body. They are primarily found in rivers and are highly mobile.
The brain-eating amoeba has a flagellate stage as well. These are even more mobile than trophozoites.
Source of Amoebic Contamination
Amoeba is a microscopic organism that naturally occurs in water. Its most common source is freshwater entities like hot springs, ponds, lakes, etc. You may also discover it in the nearby soil of industrial plant water discharges. It is also commonly present in unchlorinated pools.
We are mainly discussing two notable species:
Entamoeba histolytica can cause severe cases of diarrhea. Human feces containing Entamoeba histolytica can contaminate your water source if you live in areas with poor water sanitation systems.
Amoeba Naegleria fowleri (brain-eating amoeba) is a generally harmless organism. But it can wreak havoc if it travels from your nose to your brain through contaminated water. It is heat-loving bacteria and loves the warm environment of the human nose and body. Infection usually occurs when people go swimming or diving.
The Symptoms & Danger of Consuming Amoebas
Entamoeba histolytica can result in amebiasis or amoebic dysentery; the symptoms include diarrhea, stomach pain, and fever. The illness is most commonly found in poor living conditions and unsanitary living conditions.
Amoeba Naegleria fowleri: Brain-eating amoeba cause a rare and deadly infection called primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM). PAM symptoms may include headache, fever, nausea, and vomiting.
It can cause various health problems, from a blinding corneal to rapidly lethal brain inflammation. In sporadic cases, N. fowleri or brain-eating amoeba can cause death within one to 12 days after symptoms start. PAM is typical in people who use Neti pots to flush out sinus congestion.
Acanthamoeba spp. , if present in water supplies, can result in granulomatous amebic encephalitis (GAE). It is a central nervous system disease that primarily affects immunocompromised patients.
Does Water Filter Remove Amoeba From Tap Water?
Unfortunately, most water filters do not primarily state that they remove amoebas. But the water filters with NSF 53 or 58 certification and an absolute pore size of 1 micron or less can effectively remove this pathogen.
A few years ago, the tap water from major states in Texas, including Lake Jackson, Oyster Creek, and Clute, were found to have this bacteria. After the report, many people started using bottled water from grocery stores. But this water can be expensive. Therefore, we are a big fan of reverse osmosis systems. These reverse osmosis systems do a great job of removing not only bacteria but also their spores.
Note: Dont let your filters clog; change them regularly. Always wear gloves when changing filters because even this is the part that is entrapping all the contaminants. So, it is unsanitary.
Which Water Filters Are Used For Amoeba Removal From Drinking Water?
We have searched for the best water filter to remove amoeba from water to make it easier for you. Here are your choices:
Whole House Filtration
A whole-house filter with an RO system is considered safest for water treatment. Their robust 3 or 5 stage filtration technique will strain all the water entering your household–without any extra cost!
The sediment filter removes large particles, the reducing filter gets rid of ions and charged particles, and the activated carbon filter eliminates harmful contaminants. The 1-micron pores of the reverse osmosis membrane eliminated 99.99% of impurities.
Shower Water Filter
A shower water filter is a great way to protect yourself from amoebas and other contaminants. Naegleria fowleri, also known as a brain-eating amoeba, can be inhaled while taking a bath with amoeba-contaminated water.
This filter attaches easily to your showerhead and removes harmful particles from your water. Make sure you’re always safe in the shower with this convenient filter.
Counter Top Filter
In your battle against amoebic diseases, a countertop RO water system can be a reliable companion. You can place them on your kitchen counter and enjoy clean drinking water. They have 5 stage filtration mechanism that gets rid of all the impurities and microorganisms. They are perfect for small apartments and dorm rooms.
FAQs on How to Remove Amoebas From Water
How do I know if my house is contaminated with an amoeba?
If you feel you or your family members are constantly struggling with diarrhea, then you should be suspicious of the presence of harmful pathogens in your water. These do not change the taste or smell of water, so sending the water sample to a nearby laboratory is better.
Moreover, the pipe system of water having N. Fowleri has scums or biofilm coating. Make sure to get them checked by a specialist from time to time.
Does distillation eliminate amoeba?
According to the CDC (centers for disease control and prevention), boiling, distillation, and filtration are ideal for eliminating different amoebas like N fowleri.
Does Brita reduce amoeba?
Brita filters can not remove pathogens like N. Fowleri from the water. In 2011, at least two people died of brain infection, and both of them were using a neti pot with Brita filters. Drinking contaminated water is relatively safe because stomach acid kills the pathogens, but your lungs cant do the same. That’s why you should not use Brita filters with your neti pot.
Conclusion
According to the studies, the presence of amoeba in your water could cause most illnesses ranging from gastrointestinal to lethal brain inflammation. So, you should take measures to reduce its level in your water supply. For this, you have to know strategies effective in removing harmful brain-eating amoeba from your water. Out of all the other filters, an RO filter system proves to be the most efficient because of its tiny pores.