More Than 150,000 Water Bottles Recalled in 3 U.S. States

If you drink bottled water, it’s largely because it’s believed to be purer than tap. And while there are nationally recognized water bottling companies like Culligan, many states are home to locally bottled water sources.

Recently one of those private-owned businesses recalled more than 150,000 bottles of water in three U.S. states. The recall was first initiated on September 12, affecting 151,397 bottles of West Virginia-based Berkeley Springs water.

The affected products, sold in one-gallon and five-gallon bottles, were distributed in Maryland, Virginia and West Virginia.

Their packaging includes the product codes:

• 090326
• 090426
• 090526
• 090626

On November 8, the FDA added a risk level classification, intended to inform the public of potential harm. The incident is now considered a Class III recall, the lowest of three possible risk levels which indicates “a situation in which use of, or exposure to, a violative product is not likely to cause adverse health consequences.”

The recall originated when the FDA determined that the products may contain coliform bacteria. Experts from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources explain these are rod-shaped bacteria that are present in the digestive tracts of animals, including humans, and are found in their fecal matter. They can also be found in soil and vegetation.

These experts add that though coliform bacteria typically may not cause serious illness, its presence typically indicates that water quality has been compromised. Testing for total coliform is considered an effective means of discovering harmful organisms in drinking water. “Total coliform bacteria are colorless, odorless, and tasteless and the only way it can be detected in drinking water is through submitting a sample for laboratory testing,” they say.

Because there are many types of E.coli, the symptoms can vary. “All six kinds of E. coli can cause diarrhea. Some kinds can cause bloody diarrhea, watery diarrhea, or both. Some of these E. coli can cause other symptoms, including stomach cramps, vomiting, and fever,” says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

In some cases, E. coli can also cause urinary tract infections (UTIs) which can result in abdominal or pelvic pain, and a burning sensation during urination. Patients with symptomatic infection will typically notice their symptoms within three to five days of exposure. Speak with your licensed healthcare provider about any concerning possible symptoms.

For daily wellness updates, subscribe to The Healthy by Reader’s Digest newsletter and follow The Healthy on Facebook and Instagram. Keep reading:

• Vitamin C Recalled Nationally at the Highest Risk Level
• More Than 7,500 Pounds of Meat, Poultry and Fish Products Have Been Recalled In 2 States
• 60,000 Tumbler Cups Were Just Recalled in 9 States
• 11,000 Bottles Recalled of a Laxative Sold at Walmart and Other Retailers