Cryptosporidium in Drinking Water Information:

Properties:

Cryptosporidium is a type of parasite that can live and grow in the intestinal track of humans and other mammals. These parasites are 4-6 microns in size, commonly found in surface waters and can persist for months in the environment.1 These microscopic protozoa cause a disease called cryptosporidiosis that can last for several weeks in health individuals or cause severe health problems in those with compromised immune systems.2

Sources:

Cryptosporidium exist in the environment and can be spread through the faecal matter of living organisms like humans or animals. In the case of municipal water supplies, drinking water that has been contaminated is one of the main routes of exposure for humans. This parasite is often a concern where coliform bacteria, enterococci, and E. coli are also a problem.

Regulations:

Though cryptosporidium is difficult and expensive to monitor, it should not be present in detectable amounts in drinking water samples.

Health/Environmental Concerns:

Infection with Cryptosporidium causes cryptosporidiosis. Symptoms typically last days to weeks and can include watery diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, fever, and stomach pain.3 Young children and people with HIV/AIDS, inherited diseases that affect the immune system, or cancer that requires immunosuppressant therapy may experience more severe symptoms that lead to serious, long-term complications.3

Action:

One of the main problems associated with Cryptosporidium in drinking water is its resistance to chlorine disinfectants. Alternative disinfection methods that have shown to be effective include treatment with ozone and UV.1 Additionally, filtration systems that have filter mesh pores of 1 micron or less can be used for Cryptosporidium removal.4 It is also important to note that some filters—such as reverse osmosis filters—are more effective than others.4 If you suspect that your drinking water supply is contaminated, contact your Water Service Authority. If drinking water makes you feel ill, contact a doctor right away.

1 Medema, G.; Teunis, P.; Blokker, M.; Deere, D.; Davison, A.; Charles, P.; Loret, J. Guidelines for Drinking Water Quality. Cryptosporidium; Draft 2; World Health Organisation: Switzerland, 2006.

2 Cryptosporidium: Drinking Water Health Advisory; EPA-822-R-01-009. Office of Science and Technology; Environmental Protection Agency: United States, 2001.

3 Parasites – Cryptosporidium; Illness and Symptoms. National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases; Center for Disease Control and Prevention: United States, 2017.

4 Parasites – Cryptosporidium; A Guide to Water Filters. National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases; Center for Disease Control and Prevention: United States, 2017.