Mold in Water Filters: Are You Drinking Contaminated Water?

You pour a glass of water out of the fridge dispenser or pick up your water bottle and take a drink, and you find it tastes funny. After several days you can see dark spots in the inside of the bottle or filter housing. Mold in water systems is not as uncommon as most people would think and it can creep up and into what you are drinking. We will discuss the way it occurs, its implications on your health and what you can do about it.

Will Mold Grow in Your Water Bottle or Filter?

Yes, it will,--and more frequently than you think. Wet and hot conditions with residual water provide ideal conditions to molds and bacteria. Unless you wash the same bottle and put it back or leave the fridge filter unused over weeks, moisture and organic residue provide an opportunity to the mold to establish itself. Even the well-kept systems have the tendency to accumulate little growth when not cleaned frequently.

So What Are the Health dangers of eating Mold?

The bulk of household mould in water bottles or filters is not of the harmful type of the so-called black mould, but it can also be problematic. Others report stomach aches, nausea, or allergic reactions upon consuming a contaminated bottle. Individuals with weak immunity, asthma, or mold allergies can have more severe symptoms. Although a small dosage is unlikely to seriously impair a healthy adult, it is not the best thing either.

How do you know whether there is growth of Mold or Bacteria?

Seek out obvious indications. Oily spots or dark stains or murky material in the bottle or in the filter casing are obvious warning signs. When you open the bottle you may also notice an unusual smell, musty, sour, or earthy. Another tip-off is when the water is not the same taste or it has an unfamiliar after-taste. Slow or strange smells in the dispenser in the fridge may indicate an issue with the filter.

What to Do in case of mold?

Don’t panic, but act quickly. Dispose of the contaminated water, take off the bottle or the filter and wipe all thoroughly. In the case of the bottle, hot soapy water and bottle brush are used to scrub all surfaces. If the filter itself looks moldy, it’s best to replace it rather than try to clean it. Flush the system by pouring in a few glasses of water using the dispenser and changing the filter.

How to Properly Clean Your Water Bottle

The best defense is regular cleaning. The following is a routine that is simple and effective:

• Rinse the bottle under hot soapy water and brush which should reach even corners.
• After one week, immerse it in a solution of white vinegar and water 15-30 minutes and rinse well.
• To get into hard to reach places, apply a paste of baking soda and scrub.
• Allow the bottle to dry fully then refill- moisture is the most preferred by mould.
• Always wash separately after every few days in case it has a straw or lid portions.

This can be thought of in the same way as fridge dispensers - regularly wipe the nozzle and run the system after a prolonged non-use.

How to keep Mold out of your Water Bottle.

It is far simpler to prevent than to treat mold once it develops. Some small habits can do a lot of good:

• Wipe out the bottle and rinse it out at the end of each day rather than water sitting overnight.
• Do not fill up with old water - always start anew.
• Use bottles that can be easily washed, such as stainless steel or glass.
• When not in use, store bottles upside down to ensure that they dry quicker.
• Change reusable bottles after every few months when they begin wearing off or tearing at the edges that can harbor bacteria.
• In case of fridge filters, replace them periodically and run a couple of glasses of water after any prolonged absence of use.

Conclusion

Water bottle moulds or refrigerator filter moulds are not uncommon. Frequent washing, thorough drying and changing filters on time will do a long way in ensuring that your water is safe and good to drink. Although a small portion of mold may not be harmful to a healthy adult, it is better to avoid it. It is better to remain regular in the routine to avoid some bitter surprises and keep your daily water cool.