Study finds holy water is often dirty water

A study of water in Austria's churches and chapels found that holy water might be better described as dirty water — filled with the types of bacteria found in fecal matter.

The study entitled "Holy springs and holy water: underestimated sources of illness?" was published last year in the Journal of Water and Health, which is produced in collaboration with the World Health Organization.

Researchers at the Medical University of Vienna's Institute of Hygiene and Applied Immunology tested 21 springs and 18 fonts in Austria, according to ABC News, and they found most of the water contained potentially harmful bacteria, such as E. coli, which can cause diarrhea, fever and abdominal pain.

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"Of the holy springs investigated, only 14% met the microbiological and chemical requirements of national drinking water regulations," the study abstract says.

Yet unsanitary holy water regularly reaches the bodies of churchgoers during baptism ceremonies and other religious activities; it touches their lips, it's sprinkled on their foreheads and often, it's swallowed, according to the study.

Holy water has a reputation for healing, but Dr. Alexander Kirschner, a researcher on the study, told ABC the real result of all that dirty water splashing around could be illness, especially for those at hospital chapels who are already weak.

"We need to warn people against drinking from these sources," he told ABC, adding that priests must start changing holy water regularly and posting signs saying not to drink the water.