Study: Reusable Water Bottles Hold 40,000 Times More Bacteria than a Toilet Seat

We carry a water bottle so that we can prevent having water from outside which can have bacteria. However, what if the water bottle itself has bacteria?
After taking swabs from several reusable bottles, the researchers were able to detect two different types of bacteria namely bacillus and gram-negative rods.
After taking swabs from several reusable bottles, the researchers were able to detect two different types of bacteria namely bacillus and gram-negative rods.Unsplash
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Reusable water bottles have become a part of our daily lives. The sole purpose of carrying a water bottle is to make sure that we can have clean water anywhere and anytime. But what if the entire purpose of carrying a water bottle is in question?

We carry a water bottle so that we can prevent having water from outside which can have bacteria. However, what if the water bottle itself has bacteria? A recent study has shown that reusable water bottles hold 40,000 times more bacteria than a toilet seat!

After taking swabs from several reusable bottles, the researchers were able to detect two different types of bacteria namely bacillus and gram-negative rods. Bacillus can lead to gastrointestinal issues. Gram-negative rods are associated with hospital-acquired infections and are becoming resistant to antibiotics.

Researchers found that the reusable water bottles had an average of 20.8 million colony-forming units (CFUs). A colony-forming unit is a unit that estimates the number of microbial cells (bacteria, viruses, fungi) in a sample.

Researchers found that the reusable water bottles had an average of 20.8 million colony-forming units (CFUs). A colony-forming unit is a unit that estimates the number of microbial cells (bacteria, viruses, fungi) in a sample.

The researchers also took swabs from other household items to put things into perspective. The results, however, were shocking! A toilet seat holds 515 CFUs on average. Reusable water bottles, therefore, hold 40000 times more bacteria than a toilet seat!

A toilet seat holds 515 CFUs on average. Reusable water bottles, therefore, hold 40000 times more bacteria than a toilet seat!
A toilet seat holds 515 CFUs on average. Reusable water bottles, therefore, hold 40000 times more bacteria than a toilet seat! Wikimedia Commons

Reusable water bottles also hold four times more bacteria than a computer mouse and 14 times more bacteria than even a pet bowl.

So if you fall sick, it might be the water bottle and not necessarily the water.

To know more about this study, you can refer to: https://waterfilterguru.com/swabbing-water-bottles/

After taking swabs from several reusable bottles, the researchers were able to detect two different types of bacteria namely bacillus and gram-negative rods.
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