Can Water Mold – Different Mold and Water Types

If you’re wondering, “can water mold?” it’s likely that you have suspicions about mold growth in your home water system, water bottle, or beverages. While mold in water isn’t always easily seen, it can certainly crop up. So how does water mold and what can you do to remove it? We’ll answer that and more in today’s post.

Table of Contents

• Can Water Turn To Mold?
• What Causes Mold to Grow in Water?
• How Does Mold Get Into My Water Supply?
  • Can Water Mold in a Water Bottle?
• Can I Get Sick From Drinking Moldy Water?
• Can Mold in Water Make You Sick?
• How Can You Prevent Mold in Your Water?
• How Do You Prevent Mold in Water Sources in Your Home?
• Ways to Remove Mold From Drinking Water
• What Types of Molds Can Grow in Water?
  • What Is White Water Mold?
• Is Mold in Water Dangerous?
• How Long Does It Take for Water to Get Mouldy?
• Is There a Safe Limit of Mold in Drinking Water?
• How to Test for Mold in Water + Water Mold Facts
• What About Water Bottle Mold: How to Clean a Moldy Water Bottle
• Can Water Grow Mold? Yes!
• FAQs

Can Water Turn To Mold?

Yes, water can turn to mold.

But when asking, “Can water mold?” it is important to understand that water can only mold if it is stagnant. Moving water, or water that is void of an organic food source, actually isn’t likely to grow mold at all.

As mentioned, mold growth typically happens when water is stagnant. It is for this reason that you may find mold to appear in water wells or other still bodies of water. As the mold grows, it spreads, causing whatever water it has infiltrated to become tainted and potentially dangerous for consumption.

Another way that mold growth occurs is if there are organic food sources in the water. These food sources can be things like wood, soil, plant particles, or fabric. Even trace amounts of organic matter left in water after filtration processes are enough to breed mold when left long enough.

What Causes Mold to Grow in Water?

Both stagnant water and organic food sources within the water can cause mold to grow in as little as only a few days. Areas where this might be a proble include places like your water storage tank, pool, water well, water bottle, or even a plain ‘ole cup or bowl.

For preventing mold spores, try to avoid allowing water to sit for long periods of time.

How Does Mold Get Into My Water Supply?

Mold can appear in your water supply because your pipes, water storage tank, water filtration system, water softener, or faucet aerator may be moldy. If this is the case then you may also notice mold growth on the surfaces that come into contact with the moldy water, such as shower curtains, the exterior of your faucet, and even in your cup after it has sat too long.

Can Water Mold in a Water Bottle?

Of course, mold can grow in your water bottle, too. This can happen not only if there are already mold spores in your water supply, but also if you leave your water bottle to sit for too long.

Remember that though mold spores may develop in your water bottle, there are other factors to consider, such as movement and food supply, that aid mold growth.

If you move your water bottle around often, you probably won’t see any mold. Still, mold spores may be present and may make you ill if you aren’t careful.

Try not to consume water from a moldy water bottle if you can. No matter the brand (Aquafina, Dasani, Smart Water, what have you), don’t!

Can I Get Sick From Drinking Moldy Water?

Drinking mold contaminated water is a surefire way to begin experiencing adverse symptoms of some type. Though mold exposure doesn’t cause everyone symptoms, those with mold allergies or compromised immune systems may notice an adverse reaction when coming in contact with mold.

These adverse symptoms include:

• Itchy skin
• Rash and hives
• Nose bleeds
• Vomiting
• Itchy swollen eyes
• Cough and mucus
• Runny nose
• Wheezing
• Trouble breathing
• Tight chest
• Headache
• Worsening of asthma
• Sinusitus

Can Mold in Water Make You Sick?

Remember that mold in water can certainly make you sick, especially if you have mold allergies. But even if you don’t, mold can affect the health of many individuals, especially if there’s a lot of it and you are exposed to the mold long-term. For this reason, it is ideal that you do what you can to prevent mold growth in your drinking water.

But don’t worry. More advice for how to practically do this will be revealed next!

How Can You Prevent Mold in Your Water?

To prevent mold in your water, you’ll first want to nip it at its source.

Of course, if your water bottle, water cup, or another container of water has developed mold, you can easily clean it to remove it from whatever it has infected. Just be sure that when you are cleaning mold you use gloves and a mask, especially if you’re sensitive to mold or have asthma.

How Do You Prevent Mold in Water Sources in Your Home?

If you’re talking about preventing mold that may be coming from main water sources, there are several things you can do.

The first is to install a water purifier or water filtration system. The key to doing this correctly is to choose one that effectively removes fungal contaminants from the water. You’ll need to do your research to find the best one for your budget and needs.

Outside of buying a filtration or purification system there is another mold prevention method that can work wonders. If you can locate your faucet’s aerators, see if you can give them a good scrub to keep water from entering your water. The aerator is fitted at the end of your faucet and acts as a “screen”. You usually can turn the aerator counterclockwise to get it out, but you may need to use pliers if it isn’t easily unscrewed with your hands.

Ways to Remove Mold From Drinking Water

If you notice mold in your drinking water, first of all, don’t drink it. If you are able to visibly see the mold, you’ve likely let it sit too long, and now, it is no longer worthy of consumption.

Once you’ve noticed the mold in your drinking water, empty the contents of the water down the drain. If the cup or water bottle is disposable, throw it away. If not and you’d like to keep it, try cleaning it with vinegar.

It’s been shown that white vinegar is effective at killing mold growth. Thus, using plain undiluted white vinegar in a reusable water bottle or cup is a good option for cleaning your water bottle or cup that has been affected by mold.

What Types of Molds Can Grow in Water?

There are several types of mold that can grow in water. One of the most common is black mold. Black mold spores are known for the havoc they can wreak on human health, and also, for their unsightly appearance. This type of mold is easy to detect.

However, there are other types of mold that can grow in water that may not be as plainly seen.

What Is White Water Mold?

Another type of mold that grows in water is white mold.

White mold and white mold spores aren’t as noticeable, namely because of their color. Oftentimes, this type of mold is mistaken for something else, like snot or wet tissues (gross, I know). However, these white substances floating along in your pool, hot tub, or other bodies of water just might be white mold. 

Remember that because white mold isn’t easily detected, it is important that you get any large bodies of water that you may utilize tested for mold. This can give you assurance and peace of mind.

Is Mold in Water Dangerous?

Mold in water can be dangerous, particularly if it is ingested.

Remember that mold in any type of water, whether tap water, a pool, water pipes, and more can cause unwanted health ailments. These include attacks on your lungs and stomach, and also, ailments like sinusitis, respiratory infections, and more.

How Long Does It Take for Water to Get Mouldy?

Mold can grow anywhere in as little as 12-48 hours. If the water is still and has an organic food source, it is possible that you could begin to see black or white mold begin to grow in your water.

Is There a Safe Limit of Mold in Drinking Water?

For many, drinking (or eating, like in moldy mozzarella) a little bit of mold, whether in water or in food, isn’t likely to do much harm. However, if you are particularly sensitive to mold, have mold allergies, or have a compromised immune system, you may find your body reacting in an adverse way if you consume mold.

Moreover, there are some conditions, such as toxic mold syndrome, that can develop when you are exposed to too much mold. Be sure that you avoid the ingestion of mold whenever possible to avoid the common side effects often experienced when being exposed to mold.

How to Test for Mold in Water + Water Mold Facts

A great way to test for mold in your water is to hire a professional. They’ll have the tools needed to test specifically for mold and can also offer you a solution on how to fix the problem.

Remember these facts when dealing with mold growth: Mold tends to grow in water that isn’t moving and mold typically doesn’t grow in water in which there is no organic food source. Oftentimes, distilled water is less likely to grow mold due to the lack of minerals and other compounds in the water. Nevertheless, mold growth can still happen in distilled water.

What About Water Bottle Mold: How to Clean a Moldy Water Bottle

If you find mold in your water bottle try not to panic. You can either throw the water bottle away, or if you wish to preserve it, you can clean the water bottle.

To do so, use a water bottle brush and some boiling water. After ridding the water bottle of all visible mold with the brush, fill your bottle to the top with boiling water. Add a little bit of vinegar also to help kill the mold.

If your water bottle is made of plastic, it may or may not be able to withstand boiling water. If not, then fill your water bottle to the brim with vinegar only and allow it to sit for at least one full hour before rinsing it out. Afterward, be sure to dry your water bottle or allow it to air dry.

Can Water Grow Mold? Yes!

It’s true that water can grow mold, however, there are usually certain parameters under which mold growth is most imminent. As always, take notice of a moldy smell you notice, and be sure to wash your cups and water bottles thoroughly to remove any mold that may have grown inside.

If you suspect there to be mold in your pipes, water tanks, or other places in your home, be sure to contact a professional to assess and remediate the situation.

I hope these tips help. Stay safe!

FAQs