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The Ultimate Drinking Water Appliance
U.S. Patent 5,205,932
Trademark Reg. 1,727,385
Cryptosporidium, Giardia Lambia ("Beaver Fever")
This organic sporozoan, first described in 1907, wasn't recognized as a cause of human illness until 1976. It is a protozoan parasite that can infect a variety of animals. In the environment, Cryptosporidium exists as a resilient, infectious, round oocyst about four to six microns in diameter. The cyst is a "suitcase" for the infectious material inside.
Cryptosporidium is widespread in the environment. Oocysts (cysts) have been found in rivers, streams, lakes, reservoirs, sewage, and treated surface water. Once introduced to water, the oocyst can survive for weeks, even at low temperatures. The organism has been found in humans, cattle, sheep, swine, goats, cats, and dogs as well as deer, raccoons, foxes, coyotes, beavers, muskrats, rabbits, and squirrels. Oocysts infecting certain species can infect another (referred to as cross-transmission). For example, organisms from domestic animals (cattle, dogs, eats, etc.) are able to infect humans, Conversely, organisms from humans can infect animals. Consequently, animals which typically reside in or around watersheds may serve as hosts to the cysts and continuous sources of infection. This is where the nick name "Beaver Fever" was born. Beavers carry the organisms and through their feces spread it throughout surface water supplies without becoming ill themselves. Moreover, infection can occur not only from drinking contaminated water, but also from eating contaminated food and from exposure to fecally contaminated environmental surfaces.
When ingested, the Oocysts pass through the stomach into the small intestine. There the Oocysts split open, releasing sporozoites which invade the cells lining the gastrointestinal tract. Infected cells lining the intestine appear normal, but their ability to absorb water and nutrients is severely impaired. The water and food ingested simply passes through the digestive system. Additional Oocysts are formed in the intestine and either split open to release additional sporozoites to continue the infection or are excreted in the feces.
The Cryptosporidium infection causes an illness called cryptosporidiosis. After the Oocysts are ingested, the incubation period typically varies from 2 to 12 days with an average of seven days. Disease symptoms include diarrhea, abdominal cramps, nausea, occasional vomiting and low-grade fever.
The number of Oocysts that must be ingested to cause infection in humans is not conclusively known. Studies indicate that as few as 10, and perhaps as many as 500 Oocysts are required to initiate infections in mammals. The infectious dose for humans is thought to be fewer than ten.
Cryptosporidiosis typically lasts 10 to 14 days. However, it may linger off and on for up to 30 days and infrequently can persist for extended periods. Children may be the most susceptible, particularly six-year- olds and under. A rapid cure for Cryptosporidiosis has not been found. Recovery depends on the patient's overall health and immune system. The disease can be fatal for those who are already in a fragile state such as someone with AIDS or any other weakness to their immune system.
There are two varieties of the oocyst: (1) a sphere of about 4.5 micron in diameter
and (2) an ellipse of about 7 x 5 microns. The thick walls of the Oocysts make it difficult, almost impractical, to kill with the UV systems in most domestic water treatment systems. Also, the cyst is much more difficult to kill using chlorine than normal coliform bacteria found in water supplies.
Since filter elements are manufactured so that they remove pathogenic bacteria down to one micron in size; they are 100% effective in the removal of Cryptosporidium.
Cryptosporidium Fact Sheet
What is Cryptosporidium?
Cryptosporidium is a one-celled parasite that can cause a gastrointestinal illness called cryptosporidosis.
Where does it come from?
Cryptosporidium occurs in the feces of infected animals or humans. It is environmentally resistant and may survive outside the body for long periods of time. To become infected, a person must consume contaminated food or water.
What are the symptoms of cryptosporidosis?
Diarrhea, abdominal cramps, headaches, nausea, vomiting, and a low-grade fever.
These
symptoms can last for weeks and may lead to weight loss and dehydration.
Symptoms are more
severe for people with weakened immune systems and can lead to death.
Who are people with weakened immune systems?
Those on chemotherapy, organ or bone marrow recipients, persons with HIV or AIDS, malnourished children, the very young and the very old.
When do symptoms appear?
From 2 to 12 days after ingestion. The average is seven days.
How is it spread?
A person can be infected by consuming contaminated water or food. Direct or hand-to-mouth transfer of the bacteria from feces or contaminated surfaces can also cause infection.
What is the treatment for cryptosporidosis?
If you think you have cryptosporidosis, see a health care provider, especially if you have a weakened immune system. There is no cure for the disease. However, the symptoms may be treated with antidiarrheal drugs.
Who is at risk?
Anyone who consumes contaminated food or water, child care workers, young children who attend child care centers, persons exposed to human feces by sexual contact, and caregivers who might come in contact with feces while caring for a person infected with cryptosporidosis. Children are especially susceptible because they put so many things into their mouths.
How common is cryptosporidosis in Washington?
Cryptosporidosis is not a reportable illness in Washington. Originally considered a parasite of animals, reptiles and birds, it first was detected as a source of illness for humans in 1976. Health officials now believe Cryptosporidium has been causing human illnesses for a long time, but it was overlooked due to difficulties in testing and diagnosis.
How can I ensure my water is safe to drink?
Pay attention to health advisories and boil water notices. To ensure your drinking water is safe during boil water notices, always boil, filter, or use bottled water:
What else can I do to avoid cryptosporidosis?
The single, most effective way to avoid illness is to wash your hands often with soap and water. During boil water advisories, use water that has been boiled and cooled, filtered, or safely bottled for washing dishes, fruits, and vegetables.
- Always wash your hands before handling food and dishes and after using the toilet, gardening, changing diapers, or handling pets.
- Wash fruits and vegetables with safe water, especially if you plan to eat them raw. You can also peel fruit that you will not cook.
- Never cook for other people if you have diarrhea.
- Avoid unpastuerized milk and dairy products. Cooking kills Cryptosporidium and other germs.
- Don't swallow any water from lakes, rivers, pools, or jacuzzis. Water swallowed accidentally while swimming may contain the organism.
- Take care when traveling in developing countries. Foods and drinks, in particular raw fruits and vegetables, tap water or ice made from tap water, unpasteurized milk or dairy products, and items from street vendors may be contaminated with Cryptosporidium. Talk to your health care provider about other precautions you may want to take when traveling abroad.
Are these recommendations sufficient for people with weak immune systems?
For most people, yes. However, persons with AIDS should use disposable gloves or have someone else who is not HIV positive change the cartridges on their water filter. The same precautions should be taken with cat litter boxes.
Where can I get more information?
For more information, call Communicable Disease Epidemiology (360) 361-2914.
Washington State Department of Health
1112 SE Quince Street, P.O. Box 47890, Olympia, Washington 98504-7890
Health Effects of Selected Drinking Water Contaminants
CONTAMINANT PROBABLE HEALTH EFFECTS*
Arsenic - Malignant tumors of skin and lungs, cramps,
spasms, effects to nervous system
Barium - Prolonged stimulant action on muscles,
nerve block
Benzene - Associated with cancer, leukemia, anemia
Cadmium - Bronchitis, anemia, gastrointestinal upsets,
cancer in rats
Carbon tetrachloride - Central nervous system depression,
gastrointestinal effects, liver and kidney
damage, coma, death
Chlordane*- Carcinogen, liver and kidney damage
Chlorobenzene - Irritation to respiratory system, central
nervous system depression
Chloroform - Possible liver, kidney and heart effects;
carcinogenic in at least one animal species
Chromium - Kidney damage, cancer
Copper - Gastrointestinal tract irritant, possible
infant fatality, Wilson's disease
Dichlorobenzene(s)* - Suspected carcinogen
1,1-Dichloroethane - Central nervous system depression, liver
damage, suggested animal carcinogen
1,2-Dichloroethane - Nausea, mental confusion, liver and kidney
damage
Dichloroethylene* - Nausea, dizziness
Ethylenedibromide (EDS) - Decreased fertility
Fluoride - Skeletal damage when present in high levels
Heptachlor - Possible tumor induction, carcinogenic in
test animals
Lead - Damage to nervous system, kidneys, reproductive
system; cancer in rats
Lindane - Chronic liver damage, anemia, leukemia
Mercury - Kidney impairment, possible death
Methylene chloride* - Toxic
Nickel - Signs of hyperglycemia and gastrointestinal
and nervous disorders
Pentachlorophenol (PCP) - Loss of appetite, respiratory difficulties,
anesthesia, coma, death
PCBs - Damage to skin and liver; nausea, loss of
weight, jaundice, coma, death
Selenium - Carcinogen; irritation to mucous membranes,
dermatitis
Sulfate - Laxative action
Tetrachloroethylene - Central nervous system effects; confirmed
animal carcinogen, anesthesia, death
Toluene - Narcosis, irritation to eyes and respiratory
system
Toxaphene - Possible liver damage
1,1,1-Trichloroethane - Narcosis, depression of central nervous system,
unconsciousness, death
1,1,2-Trichloroethane - Possible liver and kidney effects, possible
carcinogen in animals
Trichloroethylene - Central nervous system depression, loss of
coordination, unconsciousness; strong irritant
and carcinogen
2,4,6-Trichlorophenol* Suspected carcinogen
Trihalomethanes (THMs) - Effects to nervous system and muscles, loss
of consciousness
Vinyl chloride - Central nervous system depression, dulling of
visual and auditory responses, possible death
Xylene - Mucous membrane irritant, lung congestion,
impairment of kidney functions
Zinc - Muscular stiffness and pain, loss of appetite,
nausea
*The Assembly Office of Research, April 12, 1983, states that the health effects listed for these substances were compiled from the following sources: "Drinking Water and Health", National Academy of Sciences, Safe Drinking Water Committee, 1977, "Contamination of Ground Water by Toxic Organic Chemicals", U.S. Council on Environmental Quality, 1981 "Carcinogenic Hazards of Organic Chemicals in Drinking Water", R.H. Harris, T. Page, and N.A. Reiches, 1977
WHOLLY WATER ® The Ultimate Drinking Water Appliance
State-of-the-art water purification, filteration, softening, systems, & equipment. Factory direct from the manufacturer of the patented WHOLLY WATER ® The Ultimate Drinking Water Appliance.
WHOLLY WATER ®, a heavy-duty, long-lasting, under-the-counter, drinking water appliance, delivers the highest quality drinking water at the dedicated sink. Convenient, no more hassle of changing filters, no more expense of buying cartridges or membranes, expensive service calls.
Wholly Water ® is the most advanced new technology available. It features a self-cleaning design, push-button back wash cycle every 3 months. Patented 5 large filter beds of 6 different filter media. Wholly Water ® will remove a broader range of toxins and do it to a higher purity for a longer time than any other water filter.
Independent 3rd party lab test to NSF / ANSI Standards 53 & 42 prove this.
The best industry warranty of 6 years. First year is unlimited.
Less than a penny a gallon... Stop paying high prices for bottled water or high-priced units that always require you to buy their expensive cartridges. We put more into Wholly Water ®, so nothing has to be added later. There is nothing like it, and no one can beat it. Buy it today and SAVE!!!
WHOLLY WATER ® Only A Penny A Gallon - No Filters To Change - 6 Year Warranty
WE offer A 0.5 micron Ceramic as a optional add-on final filter.
We do not recommend that it be used without the WHOLLY WATER ® Appliance being used
first in front of it. This will ensure that the broad range of water impurites
are aleady removed. This keeps the ceramic from the really fine filtration, with the ability to easily clean it as necessary.
We also have extruded Ceramikx carbon block, replaceable, post filter that will
filter to the same level 0.5 micron. This filter is rated to have 10 times the
life before changing is needed.
It also has the added benefit of adding 10,000
gallon capacity to WHOLLY WATER ®. You may not need to replace either of these
filter cartridges over the six-year warranty of WHOLLY WATER ® when used as recommended.
Post filter and housing including pre-plumbed assembly and fittings as a post filter to the WHOLLY WATER ® Appliance.
10-Year Life Expectancy - Rebuilding Kit or Exchange....Very Environmentally Friendly!!