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Project title

Economic Assessment of the Waterborne Outbreak of Cryptosporidiosis in Galway, 2007

Primary Funding Agency

Environmental Protection Agency

Co-Funding Organisation(s)

n/a

Lead Organisation

National University of Ireland Galway (NUIG)

Lead Applicant

Dearbhaile Morris

Project Abstract

In March 2007, the largest outbreak of cryptosporidiosis since surveillance began was identified in Galway. The outbreak lasted for 5 months during which time a boil water notice was in place affecting approximately 90,000 people. This had a major impact on residents, tourists, local businesses and local authorities. Significant investments were made in upgrading the water treatment plants serving Galway City and surrounding areas, however the full economic impact of the outbreak on all concerned has not been evaluated to date. This proposal aims to place a monetary value on the costs and inconveniences imposed on the public, local businesses, the health care system, local authorities and national agencies. The proposal will assess the impact on economic output in sectors such as agriculture, tourism, and other water dependent sectors. The outbreak has had negative impacts on the public�s confidence in the water supply. Although challenging, this study will explore this to articulate a framework that encompasses such qualitative aspects in valuing the economic loss due to the incident. The proposal also aims to estimate a cost to benefit ratio for the incident as a whole, which will be useful for policy makers to validate investments in water in Ireland. Knowledge generated as a result of the proposed research will be transferred into the academic, research and wider communities. Expected outputs include a template for capture of key data for future economic analyses of water pollution incidents which could be developed into a �Real Time� application for phone/tablet/notebook use or developed for use via the internet, publications in peer reviewed journals, presentations at national and international meetings, a final report, a synthesis report and a two-page summary for inclusion on the EPA website, non-peer reviewed dissemination through newspaper and t.v. interviews, and social media campaigns.

Grant Approved

�74,977.55

Research Hub

Natural Environment

Research Theme

Governance Framework and Socio-Economic Considerations in Water Management

Start Date

01/04/2014

Initial Projected Completion Date

01/04/2015