Environmental Infection Prevention and Control
Water

Moist environments and aqueous solutions serve as reservoirs for waterborne pathogens. Under favorable conditions (i.e., warm temperature and a source of nutrients) many microorganisms actively proliferate; or remain for long periods in highly stable, noninfectious forms. From a contaminated water source, pathogens can be transmitted by direct contact with water, ingestion or aspiration of water, indirect-contact transmission (e.g., improperly reprocessed devices), and inhalation of aerosols.¹

Direct contact with contaminated water, ingestion of contaminated water, and indirect-contact transmission are commonly associated with infections caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa and other gram-negative bacteria, and nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) commonly found in potable water.^1,2 Aspiration of water or water aerosols generated from water sources contaminated with Legionella spp. often serve as the vehicle for introducing Legionellae into the respiratory tract.^1,2