Well Water

[Camppy3]

I was told to drink bottled water, after my transplant alittle over a year ago I have well water(filter system too). Does anyone have this issue and what do you do.?

[ShyeLoverDoctor]

I read all my post-transplant literature provided by my transplant center and it says no well water. I wouldn’t risk it. I live in a city with pretty notoriously nasty tasting water that barely passes acceptable standards. I installed a quite expensive reverse osmosis filter under my sink and feel it was worth it.

[Peyton050621 in reply to ShyeLoverDoctor]

We live in a city with water I would never drink unless I boil it first. However, we have a reverse osmosis system for 20 years. We’ve been through 2 systems. It has a separate faucet that you can install on the sink. We change the filters on a regular basis. It’s definitely worth it. It’s cost effective and better for our environment. We also bought an ice maker so we have clean ice cubes too. It’s great.

[Balap]

I have been drinking well water treated with reverse osmosis filter for the past 10 years with no issues

[Kbressler NKF Peer Mentor NKF Ambassador in reply to Balap]

Test it for bacteria and heavy metals.

[Camppy3 in reply to Balap]

What osmosis system do you have?

[AVReign15]

I have well water and a heavily filtered reverse osmosis system and we had it tested and my doctor said it is fine.

[Darlenia]

We drink spring and well water - our mountain community shares 4 very large wells along with a couple of springs. The community inspects and periodically tests the water; no fluoride. We don't test it inside our home. We love the water - it's respected for its beneficial minerals, etc. often missing in city water. My hubby, with the transplant, has had no issues with the water and our transplant center hasn't thrown up any red flags.

[WYOAnne NKF Ambassador]

Best thing is always talk with your transplant center and take their advise regarding well water.

[Camppy3 in reply to WYOAnne]

I have just wondering if people did try osmosis systems.

[drmind]

My thoughts; it's easier to drink bottled water and know you're safe than fight a major infection. Ask your transplant team and listen to their advice.

[Camppy3 in reply to drmind]

I guess I should of worded it if anyone has tried osmosis.I would never do anything to put myself in an unsafe situation.

[drmind in reply to Camppy3]

There is a PUR plus device thst attaches to your faucet thst has a changeable filter that allegedly removes 99% of all contaminants. See if your transport team approves. I'm at CKD 3 and drink lots of water. Our household uses filtered wayer for all cooking and kitchen use. A filter lasts around two to three months and costs around $10. Good luck on your search.

[6V53]

I had my water tested and then did a shock to the well. I replaced a bunch of plumbing components and added a filter.

Bottled water can be prohibitively expensive and reasonable size jugs for home use can be too heavy for many of us to use.

Like everything, you have to decide what is right for you. This is something to discuss with your doctor, but you should also advocate for yourself and if you can show your water is safe you should be able to use it.

[TeacherMommy]

I had a transplant almost a year ago. I boil drinking water daily and use it for brushing teeth too.

We have well water and a reverse osmosis system for drinking water (well maintained, etc). My transplant center said that no home reverse osmosis system has small enough pore sizes (I don’t remember the needed micron size) to make it safe for transplant patients in terms of bacteria risk. I use the water from the osmosis tap then boil it because the filter removes other issues we have in our water here like radon. I know transplant centers vary; just sharing what mine has repeatedly told me.

I store the boiled water in ball (canning) jars and carry a few in a cooler when I leave the house. The jars are easy to clean in the dishwasher.

If I am out somewhere and run out of water, I buy bottled water (although I hate wasting the plastic). I have been advised to only drink bottled water that is labeled as “distilled” or “reverse osmosis.” The reverse osmosis system in the industrial plants apparently has a smaller micron filtration capability. I have been told not to drink bottled water labeled “spring water,” “aquifer” etc as they don’t guarantee any particular standard. There are some online lists of which regional water companies meet the criteria.

Looking for advice:

I have considered getting a home system of 2-5 gallon containers (like you would see in an office building), but have wondered if the lines and tap harbor bacteria, making it not a good option. Also, I am not sure if this type of system has to be plugged in and electrified. Can we use the type that sit on the counter at room temperature? Boiling does take time and adds another thing to the daily routine.

I hope this is useful. Would love to know if anyone is using one of the 2-5 gallon jug systems.

Thanks!

[sugabear in reply to TeacherMommy]

We have had a water delivery system for several years. My husband has had his transplant for about a year and a half. We’ve had no issues. We drink water pretty quickly, so it’s not sitting around for long. You can clean it periodically yourself or the company can send someone out to clean it for you. Our system has instant hot and cold water.

[TeacherMommy in reply to sugabear]

Thanks for your reply. Having it delivered sounds like a great option. Do you mind my asking how often they bring it? Do you have a recommendation for 5 gallons or a different size container? I appreciate any wisdom you have from your experience with this. Sending wishes for continued health and healing!

[sugabear in reply to TeacherMommy]

You’re welcome! We do every 28 days, but you can always schedule additional deliveries if needed. We get three 5-gallon bottles at a time. Most companies sell their own water cooler. Highly recommend a bottom loader with hot and cold water.

[TeacherMommy in reply to sugabear]

Thank you for sharing!

[littlelinda50]

I drink what ever water I have available well, tap, filtered, bottled and even drank out of my lawn hose. I personally feel filtered is good enough. I personally can't afford to buy bottled water every month. I have a gallon filter container I keep in my refrigerator and I change the filter about every 6 months.