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.

This workshop was held on June 28, 2005. The meeting’s presentations are available to members only.

• Welcome and introduction – Julie Kiang, Ph.D., ICPRB
• Cryptosporidium: Occurrence in the Potomac River – John Grace, MDE (summary of MDE study)
• Cryptosporidium and Giardia: Raw Water Data – Traci Kammer Goldberg, Fairfax Water
• Cryptosporidium Sampling and Detection – Thaddeus K. Graczyk, Ph.D., Johns Hopkins University
• Sampling and Detection Methods – Susan Boutros, Ph..D., Environmental Associates
• Cryptosporidium Detection by EPA Method 1623 – Michael Ware, Ph.D, EPA
• Sampling and Source Tracking – Kristen L. Jellison, Ph..D., Lehigh University
• Overview of Sources, Detection Methods, and Environmental Dissemination of Cryptosporidium – James M. Trout, Ph.D., USDA
• Enteric Viruses in Ground Water – Trisha B. Johnson, US Geological Survey
• Cryptosporidium Public Health Risks – Thaddeus K. Graczyk, Ph.D., Johns Hopkins University
• 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
• Round Table Discussion Moderator – Cherie Miller, USGS

Additional Information

Bacterial Source Tracking research program, Dr. Charles Hagedorn, Virginia Tech
EPA Microbial Source Tracking Guide