AWWA QTC97074

Most rivers and surface waters have been found to be contaminated at various levels by fecal contaminants and especially by bacterial, viral and protozoan pathogens. The presence of these pathogens in public drinking water sources has always been a major concern for public health authorities and several large outbreaks have now focused public attention on this problem. Methods for the detection of viruses and protozoan parasites have been developed and their occurrence in surface waters has been documented worldwide. At the same time, models for estimating the health risks associated with these pathogens have been used as the basis for legislation in the US. In Canada, occurrence data for parasites was generated for several cities across the country and was used to estimate the health risks to populations. A program was also instituted to establish the health risks associated with pollution of the St. Lawrence River. This paper presents the results of a study that analyzed raw water samples collected at over 45 drinking water treatment plants along the St. Lawrence River. The human health implications of the study results are also discussed.

Product Details

Published:

01/01/1997

ISBN(s):

0898679583

Number of Pages:

5

File Size:

1 file , 19 KB