When you think of contaminated water supplies, you might naturally think of water resources in poor, third-world countries. But it seems Brisbane’s drinking water has been found to contain disease-carrying bugs which can be directly associated with infections in some people, according to a new study by Queensland University of Technology.

Dr Rachel Thomson, who obtained her PhD with QUT’s Faculty of Health, has said certain species of nontuberculous mycobacteria have been observed in Brisbane’s water distribution system. She said, “We know that certain species of nontuberculous mycobacteria can cause disease and infection in humans, especially in some at-risk groups, but not all exposure to mycobacteria is harmful.”

This problem is not just isolated to Brisbane – clearly, water supplies in many countries are at risk – but this study has directly linked the strains of bugs found in Brisbane’s water supply with the strains of bugs which are found in human infections, therefore indicating that the water may be the source of the infection.

Dr Thomson said the number of mycobacterial disease cases in Queensland was steadily increasing. In fact, in Queensland in people aged over 65, mycobacterial infection was more common than type 1 diabetes.

Mycobacterial infections usually present as a persistent cough with symptoms similar to tuberculosis and include fatigue, night sweats and even weight loss.

Physicians for Social Responsibility reports there are many types of pollutants which can contaminate drinking water and cause illness and disease. 

It is possible for all water to be contaminated by a number of impurities, whether it comes from a lake, a river, an underground aquifer, a well, a public water utility, or even bottled water. 

Contaminants may include chemicals like pesticides, heavy metals such as arsenic and lead, human and animal waste, and even chemical by-products which are created during drinking water treatment. 

Exposure to these contaminants can cause a number of health problems, which range from nausea and stomach pain to developmental problems and even cancers. 

It is therefore vitally important to always try to make certain 

your water for drinking and cleaning is not contaminated.