When you think of bacteria, you probably imagine a fuzzy Petri dish or a well-used toilet seat. But scientists have revealed that bacteria is probably growing right underneath our noses in an item we carry around and drink from all day long - the reusable water bottle.
![[Researchers found gram-negative rods (pictured) on the reusable water bottles they tested. If swallowed, this type of bacteria can cause infections (stock image)]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/12/30/19/93594191-14236699-image-a-37_1735585262607.jpg)
A study by US filtration company WaterFilterGuru.com found that an average reusable water bottle has 20.8million colony-forming units (CFUs) of bacteria on it. The worst offenders were bottles with spout-top and screw-top lids containing 30million CFUs each.
![[Ideally you should wash your water bottle with detergent every day (stock image)]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/12/30/19/93594037-14236699-image-a-40_1735585385768.jpg)
Researchers found two types of bacteria present on the reusable water bottles they tested: gram-negative rods and bacillus. If swallowed, gram-negative bacteria can cause infections while certain types of bacillus can lead to serious gastrointestinal issues.
In comparison to other germ-filled spots in the home, the average reusable water bottle has five times the bacteria of a computer mouse and 14 times the bacteria of a pet bowl that has been slobbered over by your beloved dog. Most astonishingly, a reusable water bottle has 40,000 times the bacteria of a toilet seat, according to the study.
The average reusable water bottle has 20.8million colony-forming units (CFUs) of bacteria on it (stock image). The longer the water bottle is left at room temperature, the more bacteria will grow. Thankfully, cleaning your water bottle is relatively straightforward and experts recommend washing it once per day.
