The distribution system piping in U.S. public water systems that rely on non-disinfected well water or "ground water" may be a largely unrecognized cause of up to 1.1 million annual cases of acute gastrointestinal illness (AGI), involving nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, scientists are reporting. Such illnesses may become more of a problem as much of the nation's drinking water supply system continues to age and deteriorate. Since more than 100 million people in the U.S. rely on water piped into homes, schools and businesses from public water systems that get their water from wells, rather than lakes, rivers and other above-ground sources and much of that water is not disinfected at all or is not adequately disinfected to kill disease-causing viruses, more and more cases of people getting sick are being reported. Well-based water supply systems are responsible for the contamination of water and therefore for 470,000 to 1.1 million cases of AGI every year. And to make matters even worse, it is estimated that the number of reported illnesses will only rise years to come.
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/09/120912125824.htm
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