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The objective of this study was to evaluate the validity of monitoring for E. coli in lieu ofCryptosporidium in order to assess vulnerability of source waters for the presence ofCryptosporidium oocysts. Four large water systems in Utah, serving about 60 percent of thepopulation of Utah, have collected data from seven water treatment plants over a period of sevenyears. The data sets include Cryptosporidium, E. coli, turbidity, and other water qualityparameters. This data includes both reservoir and stream sources, and represents analysescompleted by two certified protozoa laboratories and several local laboratories certified for E. coli.The results of statistical analyses indicate poor correlation of Cryptosporidium and E. coli in allmonitored water sources throughout the entire monitoring period. Similarly, a poor correlation isshown between Cryptosporidium and turbidity. The analysis indicates that elevated concentrationsof E. coli would not be indicative of the presence of Cryptosporidium in surface water. Both E.coli and turbidity are poor surrogates for occurrence of Cryptosporidium at treatment plant intakes.Further investigation is needed to establish an appropriate surrogate for Cryptosporidiumoccurrence. Includes 5 references, tables, figures.

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Edition: Vol. - No. Published: 11/01/2008 Number of Pages: 19File Size: 1 file , 1 MB