This is not the most compellingly funny or humor-filled subject, but if you want to live well, and live long, then this is information you simply must have. During recent times, there have been lots of important warnings on water safety, especially about Cryptosporidium (Crypto). The respected Tufts University Diet and Nutrition health-letter ran a front-page bannerhead titled: "Navigating the (Tap) Waters." It was also a hot topic in the Berkeley Wellness Letter, asking "Is Our Water Safety Going Down the Drain?" Also, John James published notes from a CDC bulletin on Crypto in AIDS Treatment News (#227).

In the past, I’ve urged readers and audiences to be very water-conscious and to use only "safe-water" -- but since these general-type headlines were so prominent, spilling over with "Crypto-cautions," I’m again reminding you that Crypto is quite a force to be reckoned with. Nutrition Power says "You can't be over-careful around the issue of water and its level of safety." Prevention and protection can be done... but it takes a lot of work. It is worth it!

Thirst happens, and it’s vital to know how to quench it...Crypto-safely. Here, I’m blending information from many Crypto-research sources -- even my own (past) writings. What is Crypto and why is it such a big deal -- even for the general public? Crypto is a very tiny (seriously small!) microscopic parasite that causes pain, diarrhea, cramping, and often vomiting (hydration-loss risks for hiv/aids). Berkeley reported on a study stating that even with low-level exposure, Crypto causes illness -- in healthy people.

For the estimated 5-6 million Americans with weak immune systems these symptoms can become severe and even life-threatening. According to federal safety officials, "citizens with hiv/aids" should be careful about drinking water." They even emphasized that: "Once you’re infected, there’s no cure, though some drugs can relieve symptoms, the major one being diarrhea." Special tips on symptom control follow -- read on. There is, however, a new drug, NTZ, which has been somewhat helpful, but we still have to deal with the diarrheal consequences of unnecessary sloppiness.

Generally, risks include swimming in contaminated lakes, ponds or pools, eating undercooked and/or contaminated food, touching animal poop, or even handling diapers of infected babies. For hiv, we must never take the safety of any food or fluid for granted!

And, it gets worse: Crypto is highly insensitive to chlorine (bleach) and iodine -- two of the strongest, most widely-used disinfectants. Experts find it tough to keep up with the bug because hi-level-type technology hasn’t been developed yet for widespread use in determining water safety -- Crypto is really small!

Tufts explains, for those citizens with weakened immunity, as with chemotherapy for cancer, organ transplantation and hiv/aids: the only sure safeguard against Crypto is to boil water for at least one full minute.

When health officials suspect Crypto, they issue "boil your drinking water" notices -- but the red flag isn’t raised fast enough for people living with hiv. By the time we get the news, Crypto may have already happened. But not in your own case, if you heed my warnings.

In 1993, there was a major outbreak of Crypto in Milwaukee where over 450,000 people got sick and over a thousand persons ended up in the hospital. There were over 100 deaths, mostly among people living with hiv.

I get asked a lot of questions about water filters. Experts advise that for adequate filtration, we need products that remove particles that are under "one micrometer in diameter." Experts advise buying filters that use "reverse osmosis," or filters rated as "absolute one micrometer" for safety.

One reliable assurance is certification from NSF (The National Sanitation Foundation) under a specific regulation called "Standard 53 cyst removal." Filters rated as "nominal" or "one micrometer" are not Crypto-safe. For information on filter specifics, especially regarding Crypto, call NFS at (800) 673-8010, or write to them at: 3475 Plymouth Rd., P.O. Box 130140, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48113-0140.

Remember too, that any question about water safety must be answered with an absolute answer. A woman can’t be a little bit pregnant, and water can’t be mostly safe. Even water that has undergone various treatments with ultraviolet light, ozone, or that is labeled as simply "micro-filtration" is still questionable.

And, all filters, regardless of their various certifications, standards or warranties, must be carefully maintained -- which is a chore; and they can also cost several hundred dollars -- up front -- not necessarily including installation. Boiling is definitely a better budget bet, but "forgetfulness" can be very risky if you depend only on the boiling method -- remember well!

Crypto risks from common water sources are statistically given as: "77% of river water, 75% of lake water and 20% of tap water -- all containing detectable Crypto at low, but unacceptable quantities -- enough to make us really sick." Nutrition Power says that "just a little bit of risk is too much; Crypto may be a case of diarrhea-for-life." That’s not quality living.

A common question comes up about bottled water from fresh springs or spas. Close you eyes and picture in your mind the lovely scene of the Swiss Alps. Some companies that sell bottled water try giving us the impression, from pictures on their labels, that their water comes fresh from the Alps. Go to the store and see for yourself!

So . . . We have this empty truck. It goes way up high to the tip tops of the Alps, it fills up with water, travels down the mountain, then drives across a continent. Then the truck unloads the water onto a boat which carries it across the ocean, loads it onto another truck which drives it way far -- across our continent, for delivery to your nearby supermarket shelf . . . Can We Talk?

If you use plain bottled water, remember that it may come from above-ground sources (as opposed to some protected under- ground springs). It’s just as likely to contain Crypto as tap water. Often, bottlers may "cheat" by only processing enough to remove "off-tasting" chlorine. It would be nice if all water sellers were honest about their sources and treatments, but we need to be more realistic; "Don’t gamble if you can’t afford to loose." Beyond Bottled!

But don’t designer water bottles look so great? -- that clean, very "in" fresh look? If that's what you want, just boil your Gucci-water and put it back in the Gucci-bottle. If your designer bottle is plastic, cool down your water before re-filling it, so as to avoid melting the bottle. Also, make sure it’s dry inside to prevent cross-contamination by leftover residues. Truly an inspired way for those wanting to carry around that European mystique!

Safe bottled options are processed by reverse-osmosis and water than has been distilled; this process produces captured steam, and is the most pure water available -- almost anywhere. Nutrition Power asks: "Why treat your steam iron better than you treat yourself?"

I’m often asked about mineral losses from distilled water: True; minerals are lost, but if you’re looking to your drinking water for your mineral nutriture -- again -- Can We Talk?

Risky environments include social situations like bars, restaurants and movie theaters which serve sodas made by mixing soda syrup with tap water. Most highly unsafe! Protect yourself; take your own drinks; I’ve been doing it for years, and I’ve never been busted. I also take my own soda to restaurants. They are often happy to provide me with an ice-less glass and a straw. If you’re at a restaurant and without your own "safe-water" or other beverage, order orange juice, tomato or prune juices (from cans -- the canning process uses heat), milk, hot coffee or tea, and even wine or beer. And be sure to remember -- no ice. It’s made from tap water.

Brushing your teeth, commonly recommended by dentists, exposes fragile gums and their raw, "unseen" under-the-gum tissues to contamination risks. It’s a good idea to have distilled water at-the-ready instead of using tap water, just another nudgy way of thwarting Crypto. Another risk is drinking fountains (when you’re so thirsty; a temptation -- be very careful -- don’t!). There actually could be risks lurking in your doctors’ offices, medical clinics, and even hospitals. What are they serving up? Ask! Often the water they offer is not distilled even though they could easily change it. And they probably will if you bring this to their attention. Be creative; generate an appropriate sense of "Water Safety Neurosis" in all the healthcare settings where you get medical care; all should be Crypto-clean!

If you’ve already been "caught" by Crypto, Nutrition Power can still help manage symptoms. For diarrhea, stay away from high-fiber fruits (exceptions are bananas and peeled apples, pears and peaches), most vegetables, and all wholegrain starches; such as grains, breads, crackers, pastas and cereals. Milk (with lactose) may cause problems too. And if your diet is high in fat, look before you flush; if there’s slimy scum in the tank, cut down on your fat intake. Once any case of diarrhea is resolved, re-introduce these natural, highly nutritious foods back into your regular food plan.

White rice, pureed or blenderized might help. Water from rice is a natural remedy, and can be drunk directly. On standby, we still have Infalyte, a Mead Johnson product, that may be available in the baby-food section of your market. Call (800) 645-0248 if you can’t find it.

And there’s Cera-Lyte, specially made for HIV-type diarrhea, with 50% more rice solids than Infalyte, and it’s cheaper. Call the Cera-Lyte hotline at toll-free (888) 237-2598 for product availability and samples. (No, I don’t make money from these recommendations. That would be unethical.)

Words to live by: Heat Kills Germs!

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First do no harm. If any of this advice is, or seems to be, connected with adverse health consequences, contact your doctor, your nutritionist, or both.

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Nutrition Power is a Registered Trademark of Health and Nutrition Awareness. Copyright 1995, Jennifer Jensen, MS, MBA, RD.

All Rights Reserved.

Other versions of this article have appeared with permission in Being Alive Newsletter, Arts & Understanding Magazine,and other newsletters.