Our Water Quality: Pathogens in Our Water Supplies

Summary

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Pathogens are microbes that cause disease. They include E. coli, Salmonella, and other bacteria that cause food poisoning, cholera, and typhoid; protozoans (including Cryptosporidium and Giardia); and viruses (including infectious Hepatitis A). Pathogens often occur as a result of contamination by sewage discharges, leaking septic tanks, runoff from animal feedlots into bodies of water, and improperly sealed wells. For detailed information about the health effects of microorganisms, the reader is referred to the Web site of the Centers for Disease Control: www.cdc.gov.

The disinfection required by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for public water supplies is good protection against pathogens, with the exception of the protozoan Cryptosporidium. Some pathogens associated with water-borne illnesses also can occur through non-drinking activities such as recreational activities (swimming pools and water slides), consumption of food, and person- to-person contact.

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Extract

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Our Water Quality: Pathogens in Our Water Supplies

The resistance of many protozoans, especially Cryptosporidium, to chlorination concentrations has been extensively documented, and the protozoan Giardia can be eliminated only by prolonged contact with chlorine. In 2008, there were numerous cryptosporidosis outbreaks around New...

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