Private well owners rely on the quality of their groundwater for safe and clean drinking water. While many are familiar with common contaminants such as coliform bacteria, nitrates, or heavy metals, fewer are aware of Mycoplasma—a genus of bacteria that can be present in well water and pose serious health risks. What makes Mycoplasma particularly insidious is its ability to hide in biofilms within household plumbing, making it difficult to detect and eradicate without targeted treatment.
What Are Mycoplasma Bacteria?
Mycoplasma are a group of bacteria lacking a cell wall, which makes them unique among prokaryotes. This structural difference renders them resistant to many conventional antibiotics (such as penicillin) that target bacterial cell walls. Common species include Mycoplasma pneumoniae, which causes respiratory infections, and Mycoplasma hominis, associated with urogenital infections.
Although typically transmitted via person-to-person contact, Mycoplasma have been detected in water systems, especially where biofilms are present.
How Mycoplasma Enter and Survive in Well Water
Mycoplasma can infiltrate well systems through various routes:
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Surface contamination: Poorly sealed wells or surface runoff can introduce bacteria from soil or animal waste.
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Faulty septic systems: Leaching from septic tanks into groundwater can introduce pathogens, including Mycoplasma.
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Cross-contamination: Shared plumbing with contaminated systems or unsanitized equipment can spread these bacteria.
Once introduced, Mycoplasma can colonize biofilms—complex communities of microorganisms attached to surfaces inside pipes, faucets, and water heaters. Biofilms protect bacteria from disinfectants, allow them to persist undetected, and periodically release pathogens back into the water supply.
Health Effects of Mycoplasma in Water
The presence of Mycoplasma in drinking water is not as well studied as other pathogens, but research suggests several potential health concerns:
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Respiratory infections: Inhalation of aerosols containing Mycoplasma pneumoniae (e.g., during showering) can cause bronchitis or pneumonia.
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Gastrointestinal symptoms: Contaminated drinking water may lead to nausea, diarrhea, or abdominal cramps.
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Chronic infections: For immunocompromised individuals, persistent exposure to Mycoplasma can cause prolonged or systemic infections.
Due to their small size and lack of a cell wall, Mycoplasma can evade traditional water testing methods and immune detection, making them a stealthy threat in household water systems.
Biofilms: The Hidden Habitat
Biofilms are a major contributor to persistent waterborne contamination. In a private well system, biofilms can form on:
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The interior surfaces of pipes and faucets
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Water softeners and filtration units
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Hot water tanks and humidifiers
Mycoplasma thrive in these environments due to protection from environmental stresses and chemical disinfectants. This allows them to survive routine disinfection processes and recolonize water systems even after treatment.
Detecting Mycoplasma in Well Water
Detection requires more advanced techniques than standard bacterial testing:
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PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction): Highly sensitive genetic tests that can identify Mycoplasma DNA.
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Specialized cultures: Some labs offer custom water tests specifically for Mycoplasma.
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Microscopy and staining: Used in research or specialized diagnostic labs.
Regular testing for coliform bacteria won’t necessarily detect Mycoplasma, so if you suspect unusual illness linked to water usage, consider broader microbial testing.
Best Methods to Remove Mycoplasma from Private Well Water
To effectively combat Mycoplasma in well water, both immediate and long-term strategies are needed.
1. Shock Chlorination
A common method for disinfecting wells. It involves introducing a high dose of chlorine into the well and plumbing system to kill microorganisms.
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Pros: Kills many bacteria, including those in water and some in biofilms.
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Cons: May not penetrate deep enough into the well water column or mature biofilms; effectiveness against Mycoplasma is limited.
2. UV Water Purification
Ultraviolet light disrupts bacterial DNA, preventing reproduction.
3. Point-of-Use Reverse Osmosis (RO)
RO systems use a semi-permeable membrane to remove a wide range of contaminants.
4. Routine Biofilm Disruption
Mechanical and chemical cleaning of plumbing systems can help dislodge biofilms.
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Flush lines and appliances regularly
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Use biofilm-targeting cleaners (e.g., hydrogen peroxide-based disinfectants)
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Install filters that inhibit biofilm growth, such as those with silver, KDF filter media, or activated carbon with antimicrobial coatings
5. Well Maintenance and Sealing
Ensure your well casing and cap are intact and properly sealed to prevent surface infiltration. Annual inspections can prevent contaminants from entering in the first place.
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Conclusion
While Mycoplasma bacteria in well water may not yet be as widely recognized as E. coli or Giardia, their ability to survive in biofilms and cause health issues—especially in vulnerable populations—demands attention. Private well owners should remain vigilant, conduct regular water testing with a broader spectrum of microbial analysis, and invest in multi-layered water treatment strategies that target both water and biofilm-associated contaminants. With proactive maintenance and the right treatment technologies, the risk from Mycoplasma can be effectively managed.
Reference material for this article and information on Mycoplasma in water and how it effects your health.
Mycobacteria: Drinking Water Factsheet
Cleveland Clinic: Mycoplasma Health Issues
Survival of Mycoplasmas in water at Elevated Temperatures
5 Ntural Ways to Help Mycoplasma Treatment
Mycoplasma Contamination: Everything You Should Know
I wish you Good Days, and Good Water!
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