Waterborne pathogens are disease-causing bacteria, viruses, and protozoans that are transmitted to people when they consume untreated or inadequately treated water. Two protozoans in the news today are Giardia and Cryptosporidium. Their consumption can lead to severe problems of the digestive system, which can be life-threatening to the very young, very old, or those with damaged immune systems.
Many cities routinely monitor urban streams to measure the
amounts of bacteria that, although harmless themselves,
have similar sources (animal and human waste) as do the
waterborne pathogens. The harmless bacteria therefore act as indicators
of the possible presence of other bacteria that are not harmless.
Treated water coming out of wastewater
treatment plants is also monitored for bacteria. And in
some larger cities additional monitoring of drinking water
has begun.
This picture shows a warning sign that has been put up alongside a stream near downtown Atlanta, Ga. Overflow of sewage has caused high bacteria levels in this stream. Generally, it is not a good idea to play in urban creeks and streams -- they can be very dirty (OK, I admit it, I played in this creek when I was a kid -- sorry).
Water, Water, Everywhere—Is it Safe? This is a lesson plan for students to help learn about water treatment and water-borne pathogens, from the EcoHealth101 website.
U.S. Department of the Interior | U.S. Geological Survey
URL: http://ga.water.usgs.gov/edu/urbanpath.html
Page Contact Information: Howard Perlman
Page Last Modified: Friday, 07-Nov-2008 15:46:30 EST
