Microbial (Pathogen)

• Introduction
• Summary
• Products under development
• Regulatory support documents
• Drinking water health documents
• Proceedings from the Nov 6, 2001 waterborne microbial disease stakeholder meeting

You can now access and download a variety of sound scientific assessments that are used to protect the public from exposure to harmful levels of pathogens in ground and surface waters, food sources, and finished drinking water. You may also access information on EPA's Microbiology Home Page.

back to top

Summary

The Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) and the Clean Water Acts (CWA) address microbial contamination of the nation's waters. The CWA enables protection of surface water for drinking water, recreational, and aquatic food source uses. The SDWA enables regulation of contamination of finished drinking water and protection of source waters. Programs under the two Acts have historically followed separate paths using differing indicators of contamination and differing approaches. Concerns about future increases in microbial contamination and potential for emergence of new threats create a need to consider a strategy for the future that unites the influence of the two programs. Objectives of the strategy are to address all important sources of contamination, anticipate emerging problems, and use program and research activities efficiently to protect public health.

back to top

Products Under Development

• Waterborne Microbial Disease Control Strategy - Pending
• DRAFT Implementation Guidance for Bacteria
  • Recreation Water Quality Standard Bacteria Rule
  • Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Bacteria - 1986 (PDF, 662KB)

Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; Comment Request; Health Effects of Microbial Pathogens in Recreational Waters. Comments must be submitted on or before April 16, 2002. Federal Register Notice (February 15, 2002)

back to top

Regulatory Support Documents

Criteria documents and guidance for drinking water contaminants provide information so preliminary decisions can be made as to whether the contaminant is a significant health threat via drinking water exposure and whether sufficient data exists to perform quantitative risk assessments.

Criteria Documents:

• Cryptosporidium -- (March, 2001) (PDF, 6MB)
• Legionella -- (November, 1999) (PDF, 2.5MB)
• Giardia -- (August, 1998) (PDF, 1.3MB)

back to top

Drinking Water Health Documents

Health Advisories serve as informal technical guidance to assist Federal, State and local officials responsible for protecting public health when emergency spills or contamination situations occur. They are not to be construed as legally enforceable Federal standards. The Health Advisories are subject to change as new information becomes available.

Health Advisories:

• Mycobacteria -- (August 1999) (PDF, 1.3MB)
• Legionella -- (March, 2001) (PDF, 5.6MB)
• Giardia -- (November, 1999) (PDF, 6MB)
• Cryptosporidium -- (March, 2001) (PDF, 7.8MB)

Fact Sheets:

• Mycobacteria -- (March 2002) (PDF, 72KB)
• Legionella -- (September, 2000) (PDF, 262KB)
• Giardia -- (September, 2000) (PDF, 411KB)
• Cryptosporidium -- Coming Soon

Children Risk Documents

• Legionella -- (November, 1999) (PDF, 5.5MB)
• Giardia -- (August, 1999) (PDF, 6.2MB)
• Cryptosporidium -- Coming Soon

back to top

Proceedings from the Nov 6, 2001 Waterborne Microbial Disease Stakeholder Meeting

• Meeting Summary
• Contacts -- (PDF, 300KB)
• Presentations
  • Waterborne Microbial Disease Strategy Stakeholder Meeting
  • Developing a Strategy for Waterborne Microbial Disease Control
  • Protecting Our Nation’s Drinking Water and Waste Water Systems from Terrorism

Water Quality Standards | Drinking Water | Research and Development

EPA Home | Privacy and Security Notice | Contact Us