Developing a Plan for Identifying Cryptosporidium Sources in the Potomac River

Objectives

• Educate water suppliers and government agencies on Cryptosporidium in the Potomac basin.

• Provide an overview of sampling and source tracking methods.

• Discuss a plan of action to better address pathogens in the watershed.

Summary

The workshop started with an overview of the Potomac basin, possible sources of pathogens, and available data. Experts in the field of Cryptosporidium sampling, detection, and source tracking then presented information on the available techniques. They also shared information on environmental dissemination of Cryptosporidium and the public health risks associated with Cryptosporidium. Other pathogens of concern that were discussed included giardia and enteric viruses.

The workshop concluded with a discussion of next steps in identifying Cryptosporidium sources and in developing a strategy for controlling their movement into water supply sources. GIS modeling will be used to provide preliminary information on the most likely sources in a pilot study area. It is likely that this will need to be followed up with an expanded sampling program and more detailed analysis of the entire watershed. Research on BMPs will also be needed.

8:00 - 8:30 CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST AND REGISTRATION………………………….....

8:30 - 8:45 Welcome and introduction Julie Kiang, Ph.D., ICPRB
8:45 - 9:00 Cryptosporidium: Occurence in the Potomac River John Grace, MDE (summary of MDE study)
9:00 - 9:15 Cryptosporidium and Giardia: Raw Water Data Traci Kammer Goldberg, Fairfax Water
9:15 - 9:45 Sampling and Detection Methods Thaddeus K. Graczyk, Ph.D., Johns Hopkins University
9:45 - 10:15 Sampling and Detection Methods Susan Boutros, Ph..D., Environmental Associates

10:15 - 10:30 BREAK………………………………………………………………………………

10:30 - 11:00 Cryptosporidium Detection by EPA Method 1623 Michael Ware, Ph.D, EPA
11:00 - 11:30 Sampling and Source Tracking Kristen L. Jellison, Ph..D., Lehigh University
11:30 - 12:00 Overview of Sources, Detection Methods, and Environmental Dissemination of Cryptosporidium. James M. Trout, Ph.D., USDA

12:00 - 12:45 LUNCH………………………………………………………………………………

12:45 - 1:15 Enteric Viruses in Ground Water Trisha B. Johnson, US Geological Survey
1:15 - 1:45 Cryptosporidium Public Health Risk Thaddeus K. Graczyk, Ph.D., Johns Hopkins University
1:45 - 2:15 Use of GIS Data to Prioritize Sources of Cryptosporidium and Other Pathogens in the Potomac River Basin Mark Nelson, P.G., LSP, Horsley Witten Group

2:15-2:30 BREAK………………………………………………………………………………

2:30 - 4:00 Round Table Discussion Moderator: Cherie Miller, USGS


Canceled: Bacterial Source Tracking, Charles Hagedorn, Ph.D., Virginia Tech

Summary of Dr. Hagedorn's research program
EPA Microbial Source Tracking Guide
Microbial Source Tracking and TMDLs

Please contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it with any questions or problems regarding this page.