Cryptosporidium, Giardia & other Parasites

Cryptosporidium: Enhancing the Water Industry’s Capability to Respond

Reference: 20/DW/06/22
ISBN: 978-1-84057-890-4
Published Date: 11/05/2020

Cryptosporidium causes outbreaks of diarrhoeal disease and can be transmitted in drinking water. Not all species of Cryptosporidium infect people; by “genotyping”, we can identify which species are present. We have developed and validated a Polymerase Chain Reaction-based assay to characterise Cryptosporidium oocysts present, even in very low numbers (< 5), on microscope slides from water testing laboratories.

Improved typeability has been achieved for very low numbers of oocysts that will inform operational management activities (catchment characterisation) and investigations where water quality may be at risk.

We have produced written guidance for water testing laboratories, which includes improved communication, managing expectations, a new submission form and clarification of responsibilities of both the service users and the Cryptosporidium Reference Unit

The main benefit of this work will be improved industry response to Cryptosporidium detections and the management of events.

Price: £10  

International Collaborative Cell Culture and UV Studies

Reference: 08/DW/06/21
ISBN: 1 84057 504 2
Published Date: 05/08/2008

This report outlines the findings from a collaborative study into 'Cell culture sensitivity and assessment of ultraviolet light inactivation of cryptosporidium under realistic water treatment conditions' initiated by representatives of the Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI), United Kingdom Water Industry Research (UKWIR), the American Water Works Association Research Foundation (AwwaRF), the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA), Kiwa and the Water Services Association of Australia (WSAA). The research programme identified and assessed using 'blind trials' an optimum cell culture technique that is suitable for routine use in disinfection studies and general risk assessment.

Price: £10  

UV Inactivation of Cryptosporidium

Reference: 08/DW/06/20
ISBN: 1 84057 474 7
Published Date: 13/02/2008

Potential changes to the UK Drinking Water Quality Regulations could make Cryptosporidium inactivation using UV the most cost-effective treatment option in many situations. UV disinfection is well established in water tratment in the UK and elsewhere. There is now a substantial body of evidence to indicate that UV can provide high levels of inactivation of Cryptosporidium at doses typically used for water treatment disinfection. Turbidity below the regulatory limit of 1 NTU should not impair the disinfection performance of UV. Other water quality factors that could impair UV performance by affecting absorbance of UV or fouling of lamps can be dealt with effectively through operational control systems.
The report provides information and guidance on implementation of UV disinfaction to inactivate Cryptosporidium, based on a review of regulations and standards from other countries, particularly the USA.

Price: £10