Applications of Emerging Technologies in the Drinking Water Sector - Waterborne Pathogens: Detection Methods and Applications - page 349

been effective in reducing exposure to pathogens in water across Europe,
but they will become even stricter in 2013.
11.4. PATHOGENS OF MAJOR CONCERN TO THE
MARKET
Pathogens of the biggest concern to the UK water market are Cryp-
tosporidium and Legionella . There are a number of reasons that these have
become the focus of attention for both the regulator and the water compa-
nies. In the case of Cryptosporidium , it is the fact that the pathogen is difficult
to eradicate. In part, the supply of Cryptosporidium -free water provides a
warning signal to regulators that water supplies have been properly man-
aged, monitored, and, where appropriate, treated. Although outbreaks are
rare, and seldom life-threatening, they do damage public confidence.
Legionella is a different matter. Outbreaks over the past 20 years have
often been accompanied by high profile media coverage and, unfortunately,
fatalities. The fact that the damage is usually done before a Legionella out-
break has been identified adds to the severity of the problem. So the drive
to improve monitoring and treatment for both of these pathogens really
comes from three places. First, the regulator, who needs to be confident
that public health is protected and that water companies are managing their
processes effectively. Second, the water companies, who want to ensure that
the confidence of the general public is maintained. (In the case of Legionella ,
it is often businesses that have no part to play in water supply that are also
liable to monitor and control this pathogen.) Third, the general public needs
to be assured that what comes out of the tap won't harm them.
11.4.1. Cryptosporidium
Cryptosporidium is a protozoan parasite that can be transmitted through rec-
reational waters and contaminated drinking water. In humans it can cause
a number of side effects, including severe diarrhea and related symptoms. 27
The spread of this pathogen is rare in the UK but it can affect large numbers
if it does spread, and therefore it needs to be controlled. The unreported
rate of Cryptosporidium in the UK is believed to be around 60,000 cases per
year as of 2010. 18 Although in 2006 it was reported that only around 8% of
cases of disease caused by Cryptosporidium were a result of drinking water, it
has been identified that there is a correlation between rainfall and cases of
cryptosporidiosis, indicating some link between the disease and insufficient
treatment of water supplies. 28