Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunist pathogen. The bacteria almost never infects healthy tissue, yet there is hardly any tissue that it cannot infect if the body’s defences are compromised in some manner.
How does contamination occur ?
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a bacterial species which is particularly good at forming biofilms.
Its growth in drinking water can cause problems with colour, taste, odour and turbidity.
Once established, biofilms can be difficult to eradicate, and need specialist biodispersants (Biocides).
More often Pseudomonas aeruginosa may be detected within Closed Water systems, especially with sporadic or low flow area’s, when the bacteria attaches itself to the internal surfaces and creates a biofilm to protect itself from standard disinfectants etc……
What is the Legislation?
The Health, Safety and Welfare Regulation 1992 states that every employer has a duty to supply “Wholesome” drinking water. Furthermore, Report 71, (the Microbiological of Water 1994, Part 1 – Drinking Water) recommends that Pseudomonas aeruginosa is not present in a 100ml sample of water.
What are the health effects?
Pseudomonas aeruginosa can cause urinary tract infections, respiratory systems infections, dermatitis, soft tissue infections and a variety of systemic infections.
For “healthy” people it is not likely to cause dramatic effects on ones heath, however, the biofilms that Pseudomonas aeruginosa form could also harbour other more dangerous bacteria such as Coliform, E.coli and even Legionella bacteria.
Within Closed Water Systems, the boifilms will impair the system efficiency, and may cause metabolic corrosion, leading to system leaks.
What should be done if Pseudomonas aeruginosa is detected?
As Pseudomonas aeruginosa can prove difficult to eradicate, you should contact your Chiltern Water representative who will evaluate the system and forward immediate actions / recommendations to be carried out.