What is E.Coli?
Published August 19, 2011 | 
Mark from Ontario asks:
What is E.Coli? Everyone says it’s bad and I’ve heard of Walkerton where it killed a bunch of people in the water but what exactly is it?
Thanks for writing in.
E.Coli is a rod shaped bacteria that is usually found in the intestines of warm blooded animals, including humans. Here is a picture of what they look like under a microscope:
There are many strains of e.coli, not all of them dangerous. In fact, the strain of e.coli in your gut does two good things for you. It produces vitamin K which aids in blood coagulation, and it also crowds out other pathogens that may try to infect you.
Other strains of E.Coli aren’t so good for you. Some found in barn animals like pigs, cows, sheep, etc., can make you sick. They tend to cause gut issues including diarrhea. Some strains can be deadly, like the bacteria that invaded the water mains of Walkerton Ontario, killing 7 and making many more sick, some forever with kidney issues.
E.Coli comes directly from fecal contamination. What this means is that it’s important to wash produce in clean water thoroughly before consuming it. Also, ensure you fully cook meat before consuming. When you are done preparing your food, ensure you wipe down your preparation surface with a good disinfectant cleaner to eliminate any traces of e.coli or other.
I hope that helps.
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Posted in disinfection, Drinking Water, health, microorganisms, question | 
bacteria, coliform, contamination, e.coli, fecal, what is e.coliBack to School: Safe Water Fountains? Make Them Safe.
Published August 15, 2011 | Emily from Utah writes:
Hi. I’m going back to school soon and I have a question about water fountains. I don’t like them because soooo many people drink from them! Does that mean they are getting their germs on them? I think that happens and it’s gross. How do I drink from water fountains without getting peoples germs?
Hi Emily
Thanks for the question.
It’s true that public water fountains carry the risk of transmitting disease. However, they are designed to minimize the transfer of disease. This is because they are designed to give water in a ‘curve’. This ensures that you can drink the water without touching any of the water fountain surfaces, and it’s the surfaces that might carry ‘germs’.
Here are some steps you can take to reduce the chances of catching anything from a water fountain:
- Avoid water fountains that have low pressure. If the water just barely dribbles out, don’t drink from it. This will get your face and mouth closer to the tap part and you don’t want that. Only drink from water fountains that allow you to drink the water well away from the tap part.
- Let the water run for 5-10 seconds before drinking it. This will ensure that there is fresh water coming out. As well, it will help wash away anything that might be on the tap.
- Avoid splashing. This can lift bacteria and virus’s off the surface of the water fountain and splash it back towards your face, mouth, and mucous membranes like your nose and eyes.
- Fill your own metal or BPA free plastic water bottle. Fill it first from home, but if you need a refill use that. This helps ensure that you do not get your face close to the surfaces where bacteria might be living.
If you follow those steps, you will make sure you can take advantage of water fountains without getting any germs.
I hope that helps!
Free Computer Consulting at, Computer Choice – We’ll find your perfect computer to fit your needs, free.
Want more information, have a question or want to see more cool water stuff? Then Head on over to the main site!
Posted in disinfection, Drinking Water, health, microorganisms, question | bacteria, coliform, contamination, e.coli, fecal, what is e.coli
