Cottage life in Canada is all about fresh air, clear lakes, and unplugging from the daily grind. But while the water may look clean, it often hides invisible threats like Giardia lamblia, a parasite that’s all too common in untreated surface water.
Known by its nickname “beaver fever,” Giardia can cause severe gastrointestinal illness—especially in children, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems. If you’re drawing lake or river water into your cottage, you may be at risk without even knowing it.
What Is Giardia?
Giardia is a protozoan parasite that infects the small intestine. Once ingested—typically through contaminated water—it can reproduce rapidly and cause symptoms such as:
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Diarrhea
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Abdominal cramps
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Dehydration
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Nausea and fatigue
These effects can last for weeks and are particularly dangerous for immunocompromised individuals. And worse? The parasite is resistant to chlorine and undetectable without lab testing.
Where Does It Come From?
Giardia is often introduced into lakes, streams, and rivers through wildlife feces, particularly from beavers, muskrats, and even deer. It’s especially prevalent in cottage country, where homes and camps draw directly from nearby water sources.
Just because your water looks clear doesn't mean it's clean. Even the most pristine lakes can carry invisible parasites.
How to Protect Your Cottage Water Supply
If your cottage, cabin, or off-grid home draws untreated surface water, you need a multi-stage treatment approach:
✅ Start with Sediment Filtration
Install a dual-stage filtration system to remove dirt, debris, and larger particles. This also helps with taste and odor.
✅ Disinfect with UV Light
Because Giardia is resistant to chemical disinfectants, the most effective treatment is ultraviolet disinfection. UV light penetrates the parasite's cell walls, neutralizing it without adding anything to your water.
💡 A UV Dose of just 10 mJ/cm² is enough to inactivate Giardia—and all Wyckomar UV systems exceed this threshold by design.
Why UV Disinfection Is Ideal for Cottages
Unlike boiling or chemical treatments, UV is low-maintenance, energy-efficient, and chemical-free. It works 24/7 to safeguard your:
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Drinking water
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Showers and bath water
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Laundry and cleaning supply
Plus, Wyckomar systems are proudly Canadian-made and trusted by homeowners, farmers, and cottagers across the country.
Get Expert Help Choosing Your System
Whether you're a seasonal cottager or live off-grid year-round, our team can help you select the right system to protect against Giardia—and other parasites like E. coli and Leptospira.
👉 Explore Whole-Home UV Disinfection Systems
👉 Contact Us for a Free Consultation
📅 Next Week:
We’re wrapping up the series with Legionella, a waterborne pathogen that thrives in plumbing and poses unique respiratory risks.
