Earlier quoted context omitted.
Yes, we are all familiar with the Mythbusters episode, which does not take anything away from the fact that particulates will be in higher concentrations inside a public restroom. Increased concentration means increased risk of transference and consumption. As to your other point, people are not only touching the external edges of the aerator, but the aerator itself, which water does come in contact with. Lastly, the…
Increases dramatically to what? I don't think there have ever been any cases of people being made ill due to drinking water from the taps in a public bathroom anywhere . Interestingly, the water from the kitchen cold tap in a house is cleaner and safer than bottled water - according to a harm reduction leaflet for IV drug use in the UK, may be different in other countries, admittedly.
I don't imagine many public restrooms draw from an uncovered main like they do in residencies, but I don't live in the U.K. so won't pretend to know such a detail. Furthermore I'm led to believe the cold tap would be fine, it's the hot tap you have to be wary of.
>I don't think there have ever been any cases of people being made ill due to drinking water from the taps in a public bathroom anywhere.
I can't help but imagine that is likely due to the fact very, very, very few people would drink water from the tap of a public bathroom and tracing it down to such a detail would likely prove to be difficult unless many people drank from that bathroom.
E:
To the person who downvoted, mind explaining why attempting to do research into U.K plumbing to educate myself on a difference between U.S plumbing and U.K plumbing is a downvote-worthy offense? I wouldn't think twice about drinking from a U.S public bathroom if I was thirsty. I'm being led to believe I shouldn't from a U.K bathroom due to plumbing differences between the U.S. and the U.K.
If I have collected any misinformation you should instead correct me so that others do not receive wrong information. Thank you.