Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1994. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
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Gay Men's Health Crisis: Treatment Issues, Volume 8 no. 9 - October 1994
GMHC Nutrition Counseling Department
New York City's Water
Chlorine in usual amounts does not kill cryptosporidia, and New York City does not comply with Environmental Protection Agency regulations concerning correct filtration of public water supplies.
Trace amounts of cryptosporidia have been found in New York City's water supply. (Recent samples contained about one organism per 100 gallons of water). These levels may not be high enough to harm people with intact immune systems, but they can be dangerous for people with HIV, and especially AIDS.
Safer Water Sources
- Distilled water is safe.
- Boil all tap water for at least five minutes to make the drinking water safe. Lemon or other flavorings may be added to improve the taste. Pour into clean, dry containers. Dishes, silverware, pots and pans may be washed with tap water as long as they are dry before they are used.
- Some bottled "spring water," is filtered well enough to trap cryptosporidiosis. The following brands report that they use safe filters: Deer Park, Great Bear, Naya, Poland Springs, Saratoga, Vivanti, Wissahichon.
- Wash all fresh fruits and vegetables with boiled (and cooled), distilled or properly filtered water before eating raw.
- Use only boiled, distilled or properly filtered water to make ice cubes, dilute fruit juices from concentrate and brush your teeth. Beware of beverages and ice cubes at restaurants, where they are usually made with tap water.
- Commercially bottled soft drinks and seltzers are considered safe. Bottled juices are safe if they have been pasteurized and do not require refrigeration before opening.
- Milk is safe if pasteurized.
- Be careful not to swallow pool or bath water.
Home Water Filtration Systems
Some home water filtration systems can separate out cryptosporidia. The following companies claim that their products include sufficiently fine filters:
Multi-Pure Drinking Water Systems, 21339 Nordhoff Street, Chatsworth, CA 91311. New York City contact: Krae van Sickle, 212/242-2317 or 516/329-9205
Multi-Pure's models are tested and certified by the EPA and the NSF (National Sanitation Foundation). GMHC clients receive a $15-$25 discount, depending upon the model. Prices range from $189.95 to $329.95.
Everpure Water Treatment Products, 660 N. Blackhawk Drive, Westmont, IL 60559, 800/323-7873. New York City contact: Lee Hamer, 212/242-1787.
Everpure's models are certified by the NSF to remove particles five microns in size. Prices range from $150 to $500. GMHC clients, volunteers, and staff are eligible for a discount if they call the contact person listed above.
Neolife, 155 West Eighty-first Street, #6H, New York, New York 10024, 212/874-6640. The Neolife Water Dome removes particles 0.4 microns and larger. Countertop units cost $199.50 and undercounter units $387.50.
Equinox, Tres Jordan, 212/421-4247 Equinox filters particles down to one micron in size.
Above all, don't forget to wash and dry your hands before you eat or drink!
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