Water is intricately linked to our well-being. However, the presence of harmful bacteria can compromise the safety of our water supply.  We often talk about poor water hygiene in terms of Legionella and the risk it poses to human health. But it’s not the only bacteria that building owners and operators must be concerned with.

Pseudomonas is a common bacteria found in water that poses a significant treat to our water supply. In this blog we’ll discuss the risks of pseudomonas in water systems and how it can be prevented and treated.

Pseudomonas

Pseudomonas bacteria are common in many natural environments, such as, in soil, water, and on plants. While many species of Pseudomonas are harmless, some can be opportunistic pathogens. Pseudomonas can form biofilms, slimy layers that adhere to surfaces like pipes and faucets and allow for other more harmful bacteria to form. These biofilms may reduce water flow and quality, and in some cases, lead to infections in vulnerable individuals.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a type of pathogen which most often causes infections in humans as they needs very little nutrition to survive, they can stick around for quite some time. These bacteria are often found in carbon filters, cooling towers, drinking water dispensers, and of course water taps.  Pseudomonas aeruginosa poses a threat to people with weak immune systems, such as the elderly, very young babies, and the sick.

What are the risks of Pseudomonas?

Infections: Pseudomonas infections can affect the skin, lungs, and other organs, leading to conditions such as dermatitis, pneumonia, and urinary tract infections.

Biofilm Formation: Pseudomonas has a remarkable ability to form biofilms, slimy layers that adhere to surfaces in water systems. These biofilms can harbour and protect the bacteria, making it challenging to eradicate them through conventional disinfection methods.

Antibiotic Resistance: Pseudomonas aeruginosa is known for its resistance to many antibiotics, making infections difficult to treat and posing a serious threat to individuals with compromised immune systems.

How to prevent pseudomonas from growing and multiplying?

Preventing Pseudomonas begins with how your water system is designed and installed. Design problems such as dead legs and capped pipes can create the ideal stagnant conditions for pseudomonas to grow. To combat this issue and prevent the multiplication of pseudomonas, a number of proactive measures must be taken.

• Effective Disinfection: Pseudomonas can be kept at bay by maintaining a residual disinfection level in the water. Chlorine or other disinfectants can be added to the water system, along with regular testing to eliminate remove pseudomonas. For advanced protection, explore technologies like OZONE to target Pseudomonas and other pathogens.
• Maintain Appropriate Conditions: Control temperature and pH levels to create an environment less conducive to Pseudomonas growth. Regularly monitor and adjust these factors to ensure they remain outside the bacterium’s optimal range.
• Prevent Biofilm Formation: Biofilms provide a haven for Pseudomonas. Regularly clean and disinfect surfaces, pipes, and equipment to minimize biofilm buildup. This proactive step is crucial in limiting the bacterium’s ability to thrive.
• Regular Monitoring and Testing: Establish a routine monitoring program to detect and quantify Pseudomonas presence. Regular water quality testing can help identify potential issues early, allowing for timely intervention.
• Optimise Water Treatment Processes: Ensure water treatment processes, including filtration and disinfection, effectively remove or inactivate Pseudomonas.

Conclusion

In summary, the presence of Pseudomonas in water systems poses a significant threat to public health, especially for individuals with weakened immune systems. To prevent the growth and multiplication of Pseudomonas, it is crucial to implement proactive measures. Addressing design issues in water systems and optimizing treatment processes are essential steps in creating a water supply that is not only efficient but, more importantly, safe for all. Through a comprehensive and vigilant approach, we can mitigate the dangers associated with Pseudomonas and ensure the ongoing safety of our water systems.