Question - Campylobacteriosis is the most common bacterial cause of diarrheal illness in the United States and caused by the bacteria Campylobacter. This disease often results from drinking water. Where and how does Campylobacter get into drinking water?
Answer- The cited reference notes “Campylobacter is found in every part of the United States and throughout the world. Millions of germs can be released in a bowel movement from an infected person or animal. Campylobacter may be found in water sources such as private wells that have been contaminated with feces from infected people or animals. Human or animal waste can enter the water through different ways, including sewage overflows, sewage systems that are not working properly, polluted storm water runoff, and agricultural runoff. Wells may be more vulnerable to such contamination after flooding, particularly if the wells are shallow, have been dug or bored, or have been submerged by floodwater for long periods of time. Campylobacteriosis occurs much more often in the summer than in the winter.” (https://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/drinking/private/wells/disease/campylobacter.html;accessed January 2019)