Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
DID YoU KNoW?
Cryptosporidiosis can be spread by swallowing contaminated
recreational water—water in swimming pools, hot tubs, jacuzzis,
fountains, lakes, rivers, springs, ponds, or streams—that is contam-
inated with sewage or feces from humans or animals.
Note: Cryptosporidium can survive for days in swimming pools with ade-
quate chlorine levels.
The massive waterborne outbreak in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where more
than 400,000 persons developed acute and often prolonged diarrhea or other
gastrointestinal symptoms, increased awareness of Cryptosporidium at an
exponential level. The Milwaukee incident spurred both public interest and
the interest of public health agencies, agricultural and environmental agen-
cies and groups, and suppliers of drinking water. This increase in interest
level and concern spurred new studies of Cryptosporidium with an emphasis
on developing methods for recovery, detection, prevention, and treatment
(Fayer et al., 1997).
The USEPA became particularly interested in this “new” pathogen; for
example, in their reexamination of water treatment and disinfection regu-
lations, the USEPA issued maximum contaminant level goals (MCLGs) for
Cryptosporidium and added it to their contaminant candidate lists (CCLs).
Its similarity to Giardia lamblia and the necessity to provide an efficient con-
ventional water treatment capable of eliminating viruses forced the USEPA
to regulate surface water supplies in particular. The proposed Enhanced
Surface Water Treatment Rule (ESWTR) included regulations from water-
shed protection to specialized operation of treatment plants (certification of
operators and state overview) and effective chlorination. Protection against
Cryptosporidium includes control of waterborne pathogens such as Giardia
and viruses (De Zuane, 1997).
The “411” on Cryptosporidium*
Recently, a colleague asked us to give her the “411” on Cryptosporidium . After
we looked at each other quizzically for a few seconds, our colleague explained
that “411” meant “information, please.” Having adhered to Voltaire's “If you
wish to converse with me, please define your terms,” we provided her with
the following basic information.
* This section was adapted from Kneen, B. et al., Cryptosporidium: A Waterborne Pathogen ,
Water Treatment Notes 15, U.S. Department of Agriculture Water Quality Program, Cornell
Cooperative Extension, Ithaca, NY, 1996/2004.
 
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