It turns up in Tucson's water supply, but fortunately it appears that chlorination kills it.
Brain-eating amoeba found in 12 Tucson Water wells
But chlorinated water supply keeps city safe from killer bug
By Josh Brodesky
arizona daily star
Tucson, Arizona | Published
Brain-eating amoebas have taken up residence in Tucson's water supply as recent tests have shown their presence in 12 wells.
While the discovery of the killer amoeba, known as Naegleria fowleri, is surprising to at least one UA researcher, the microscopic bug's presence in the Old Pueblo's water supply doesn't pose any health risks.
Tucson Water chlorinates its well water before distribution, killing the amoeba before the water hits taps. But the amoeba's presence in our underground water source — probably as a result of biodegradable oil used in pumps — is a surprise. The amoeba is usually found in surface water such as rivers and lakes.
"The organism is everywhere," said Charles Gerba, a microbiology professor with the University of Arizona's Department of Soil, Water and Environmental Science. "It feeds on bacteria."
