CDC – Waterborne Illness Surveillance & Reporting
Waterborne illnesses are caused by drinking or using water that is contaminated with bacteria, viruses, or toxic substances. Overall, in the United States, drinking and recreational water is safe and healthy, however these illnesses can still pose a risk when water becomes contaminated. Common symptoms of waterborne illnesses include diarrhea and vomiting. Other symptoms can occur depending on the illness.

The most common waterborne illnesses in the US are otitis externa (“swimmer’s ear”), norovirus, Giardia, Cryptosporidium, and Campylobacter. 

CDC – Healthy Water
Preventing waterborne illnesses includes safety measures around drinking water and recreational water. There are also things individuals can do to avoid contaminating drinking or recreation water.

• Preventing illness from drinking water:
  • Flush faucets and showerheads if they have not been used recently.
  • Clean and maintain all devices that use water.
  • Get private wells tested for bacteria annually.
  • Inspect private wells for damage that could allow for contamination.
  • Watch for drinking water advisories and follow instructions given such as boiling water or avoiding drinking that water all together.
• Preventing illness from recreational water:
  • Individuals should not swim if they have diarrhea.
  • Do not swallow recreational water.
  • Pool and hot tub owners should regularly check the chemical levels and keep them at levels indicated on packaging.
  • Avoid swimming in water with blue-green algal blooms, sometimes referred to as harmful algal blooms.