Should you let pets drink your air conditioning water?

I've heard from a lot of people who are excited to recycle the water pumped out by air conditioning units to water plants and pets. I even got an email the other day from someone who said it was a great source of free drinking water.
I couldn't help but think: IS THIS REALLY A GOOD IDEA?
I contacted public health and environmental microbiologist Otto (Chip) D. Simmons, III at N.C. State.
His Advice:
1. Not only is it a bad idea to collect that water for drinking, you should not give it to you pets, either.
2. In fact, you should be careful about using the water on anything in the garden you might end up eating.
He Explains:
"I believe the water to be unsafe because it can have some concentration of metals from either the coils or from the drip pan or there is a high likelihood that there are microbial contaminants in the water.
It is not uncommon for the drain pans in air conditioning units to "plug" due to biofilms which are comprised of bacteria, fungi, and algae. There are reports of many bacterial pathogens associated with things like drain pans, including Legionella, a bacterial pathogen with significant adverse health consequences.
This practice is also extremely hazardous as the family pet could potentially become sick and then infect the rest of the family.
I would strongly suggest against using this water in gardens for growing vegetables that will be consumed raw or only partially cooked. I believe the water can be used in flower gardens with little consequence, but again, suggest strongly against using it in a vegetable garden. "

Today's tip:

Recently we used Glad Press 'N Seal Plastic wrap to cover my mother's shoulder and wrist after surgery so she could take a shower. The plastic wrap adhered to her skin without irritating her stitches and was waterproof enough for her to get it wet. Melissa Cannito, Charlotte.

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