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Water Quality
Health Risk and Cryptosporidium
Guidelines for People with Weakened Immune Systems
In order to ensure that tap water is safe to drink, the Environmental Protection Agency and the Washington State Board of Health prescribe regulations that limit the amount of certain contaminants in water provided by public water systems. The Food and Drug Administration and the Washington State Department of Agriculture regulations establish limits for contaminants in bottled water that must provide the same protection for public health.
All drinking water, including bottled water, may reasonably be expected to contain at least trace amounts of some contaminants. The presence of trace contaminants does not mean that water poses a health risk. Limits on contaminants are set so we know which contaminants are a concern and at what level they are a concern. More information about contaminants and potential health effects can be obtained by calling the Environmental Protection Agency’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline, 1-800-426-4791. More information about testing results for Seattle’s water is provided here: Seattle Water Quality Results.
Some people may be more vulnerable to contaminants in drinking water than the general population. Immuno-compromised persons such as persons with cancer undergoing chemotherapy, persons who have undergone organ transplants, people with HIV/AIDS or other immune system disorders, some elderly, and infants can be particularly at risk from infections. These people should seek advice about drinking water from their health care providers. Environmental Protection Agency/Centers for Disease Control guidelines on appropriate means to lessen the risk of infection by Cryptosporidium and other microbial contaminants are available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline, 1-800-426-4791.
Cryptosporidium
Cryptosporidium is a parasite commonly found in lakes and rivers that can cause gastro-intestinal disease. While Seattle Public Utilities’ water is treated to remove Cryptosporidium, local and national health agencies say that you may want to take precautions with drinking water if you have a weakened immune system (immunocompromised).
If you think you may be at risk for Cryptosporidiosis or have more questions regarding the parasite, contact your health care provider, or a local or national health agency.
The Public Health – Seattle & King County recommends the following for severely immuno-compromised people:
- • Consult with your health care provider about what measures would be most appropriate and effective for reducing the overall risk from Cryptosporidium.
- • If you wish to take extra measures to avoid Cryptosporidiosis, bring your drinking water to a rolling boil for one minute. This is the most effective approach for killing the parasite.
Alternatives to boiling water include:
- • A point-of-use (personal use, end-of-tap, under sink) filter. Only point-of-use filters that remove particles one micron or less in diameter should be considered (absolute one micron, NOT nominal). Look for American National Standard Institute (ANSI/NSF, formerly National Sanitation Foundation) Standard Number 53.
- • Some bottled waters derived from protected groundwater supplies, such as protected wells and protected springs, are less likely to be contaminated by Cryptosporidium. Any bottled water treated by distillation or reverse osmosis before bottling is expected to have had effective Cryptosporidium removal. Do not assume that all bottled waters are free of the parasite.
Additional information on Cryptosporidiosis:
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