Bacteria in Water: What’s Really Going On?

Bacteria in water often gets treated like a horror story — but the truth is more nuanced. Not all bacteria are bad. In fact, many are a natural part of the environment, and even your body. But when it comes to what’s coming out of your tap or tank, it’s worth knowing what might be there, why it matters, and how to keep your water clean and health-supporting — especially as we age.

What Kind of Bacteria Can Be in Drinking Water?

In rural homes using rainwater tanks, bacteria are common — and invisible. Without proper filtration or regular tank cleaning, it’s easy for contaminants to build up. Some of the most recognized troublemakers in untreated water include:

• E. coli – linked to fecal contamination; can cause stomach upsets or worse
• Campylobacter – often from animal droppings; causes diarrhea and cramps
• Legionella – thrives in stagnant water and may lead to respiratory illness
• Salmonella – found in animal waste or runoff
• Giardia & Cryptosporidium – protozoa that cause stomach bugs (commonly lumped in with bacteria)

Why Is Bacteria in Water So Common?

Water is a living medium — it picks up whatever it passes through. Rainwater starts off clean, but quickly collects dust, bird droppings, microbes, and organic matter as it moves through gutters and tanks. Without filtration, this can become a breeding ground for bacteria.

And even treated town water isn’t immune. Outbreaks can occur when heavy rain causes farm or sewage runoff to enter water supplies, or when ageing infrastructure allows bacteria to slip past treatment. A major contributor is biofilm — a slimy layer of microbes that forms on the inside of old pipes. Once biofilm takes hold, it’s extremely hard to remove. It shelters bacteria from chlorine and flushing, making them harder to kill.

Councils are aware of the issue, but many face limited budgets and massive underground networks to maintain. There’s also growing concern about substandard materials used in parts of New Zealand’s water infrastructure, which can worsen these risks over time.

It’s About Balance, Not Fear

If you're healthy, have a strong immune system, and live in an urban area, New Zealand’s treated water supply is generally safe to drink. Filtration isn’t always about safety — it's often about going the extra mile for better taste, improved hydration, and support for long-term health.

To put things in perspective: everyday exposure to bacteria is totally normal. If you’ve ever seen a petri dish swabbed from a toddler’s hand, you’ll know just how much life we carry with us — and most of it does no harm at all. That same idea applies to water. It’s not about eliminating everything, but about reducing the risk of harmful bacteria when it matters most — especially in homes relying on rainwater or older plumbing.

Photo source: https://seed.com/cultured/7-mind-blowing-images-of-microbes/

Not All Bacteria Are Bad

Your body actually hosts trillions of bacteria — especially in your gut — that play key roles in digestion, immunity, and even mood. It’s only when pathogenic (harmful) bacteria sneak into your water that it becomes a problem.

This isn’t about fear. It’s about smart, practical protection — especially if you rely on tank water or want more control over what you drink.

Photo source: https://www.calacademy.org/events/programs/water-bear-weekend

Not all microbes are villains. Take the tardigrade — a microscopic ‘water bear’ often found in moss and freshwater. It’s a survivor of space, freezing, boiling, and radiation… but drink one? Nothing happens. It just passes through. Nature’s way of reminding us that some life forms are just quietly along for the ride.

Long-Term Health Effects of Contaminated Water

While a single exposure to contaminated water might cause temporary discomfort, consistent consumption over time can lead to more serious health issues. According to the World Health Organization, microbiologically contaminated drinking water can transmit diseases such as diarrhea, cholera, dysentery, typhoid, and polio, and is estimated to cause approximately 505,000 diarrheal deaths each year. Long-term exposure to contaminated water may increase the risk of chronic diseases such as anemia, high blood pressure, and in some cases, cancer.

Do You Need UV to Kill Bacteria? - Not necessarily. Ultrafiltration is a powerful, electricity-free method of removing bacteria — no chemicals or UV light needed.

Our Alka Flow Benchtop System features a 0.01 micron ultrafilter — small enough to physically block:

• E. coli
• Salmonella
• Legionella
• Giardia
• Cryptosporidium

No power. No plumbing. Just clean, safe water — ideal for rural homes or energy-conscious living.

Another Hidden Issue: Rainwater is Acidic

Most people don’t realize rainwater has a pH of around 5.6, making it naturally acidic. Over time, drinking acidic water may affect your body’s mineral balance and tooth enamel.

How to Protect Your Household

Ensuring the safety of your drinking water is crucial. Here are some solutions to consider:

• Alka Flow: A benchtop system that provides alkaline mineral water, enhancing hydration and taste. Currently available at 50% off

• PureRevive: An under-bench system utilizing advanced reverse osmosis (RO) filtration to remove a wide range of contaminants, followed by mineral activation to enrich the water

• Alka Ultra X – Rural: Designed for rural water sources, this system employs ultra-filtration to eliminate bacteria and cysts, and includes a mineralizer to enhance water quality

• Ultra Microbial Filter System: A robust filtration solution tailored for rural households, effectively removing impurities to provide safe drinking water.

Each of these systems is designed to address specific water quality challenges, ensuring that you and your family have access to clean, safe, and great-tasting water.

Why It Matters More in Your 40s and 50s

As we age, our body's ability to regulate pH, stay hydrated, and detoxify efficiently can decline. Clean, mineral-rich water can support:

• Hydration and energy
• Electrolyte and bone balance
• Kidney and liver function
• A lower-inflammatory internal environment

Excess bacterial load in the body has also been linked to chronic inflammation, a key driver of aging and age-related disease.

📖 Learn more:
Harvard – The Microbiome and Aging
NIH – Gut Bacteria and Longevity

The Bottom Line

Bacteria in water isn’t something to panic about — but it is something to manage. Our systems offers peace of mind through ultrafiltration and pH-balancing remineralisation, all in a simple benchtop setup.

✅ Safe, bacteria-free water
✅ Natural minerals for long-term health

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