Microbes Research

They’re small, but they can cause lots of trouble. Microbes are tiny organisms that are all around us—in the air, in the soil, in our water—and they are capable of causing diseases in humans. Waterborne diseases killed thousands of people around the world before water treatments, such as disinfection and filtration, were developed.

Today, our nation’s drinking water supply is one of the cleanest in the world, in part because EPA has set standards for about 90 contaminants in drinking water. (A standard is the maximum amount of a contaminant that’s allowed in drinking water. Utility operators are informed of the standards and EPA enforces them.) Even so, waterborne diseases are still a concern.

Microbes that cause waterborne diseases include bacteria, which can cause cholera and typhoid; viruses, which can cause polio, hepatitis, and various gastrointestinal diseases; and protozoa, which can cause giardiasis and cryptosporidiosis.

A person may become ill from drinking contaminated water. Anyone can be at risk, but infants, children, older people, and immuno-compromised people are at increased risk. Symptoms of waterborne illnesses include abdominal discomfort or cramping, vomiting, fever, diarrhea, weight loss, and fatigue.

EPA is pursuing several research areas that address microbes in drinking water:

• Microbial source tracking
• Disinfection and pathogens on the Candidate Contaminant List
• Wastewater biosolids

Furthermore, the Microbial Contaminants Control Program develops techniques to detect and remove or inactivate microbial contaminants in drinking water. EPA also researches methods of disinfection, which destroys bacteria and viruses and prevents the spread of waterborne disease. And in order to develop methods for determining risks and preventing drinking water contamination, EPA’s Microbial Source Tracking Program determines how microorganisms behave in different environments.

Technical Contact:

Mark Rodgers (513) 569-7225