Certified Pool Operator Practice Test

Which of the following statements about ingesting water infected with Legionella bacteria is true?

1. It is safe and has no health effects

2. You can become sick from ingesting the water

3. It only affects water temperature, not health

4. It can only cause skin irritation

The correct answer is: You can become sick from ingesting the water

Legionella bacteria are waterborne pathogens that can cause a severe respiratory illness known as Legionnaires' disease when inhaled. While the primary mode of transmission is through inhaling contaminated water droplets, it is also possible to become sick from ingesting water infected with Legionella bacteria. Ingesting contaminated water can lead to gastrointestinal illness, although respiratory infection is more common. Therefore, option B is the correct choice.