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Project title

Towards a Cryptosporidium Monitoring Proposal

Primary Funding Agency

Environmental Protection Agency

Co-Funding Organisation(s)

n/a

Lead Organisation

University College Dublin (UCD)

Lead Applicant

Theo De Waal

Project Abstract

Cryptosporidium is an important cause of waterborne enteritis worldwide. Ireland has one of the highest reported incidence rates of cryptosporidiosis in Europe, with between 8.7 and 14.4 cases/ 100,000 of population annually since 2004 (Health Protection Surveillance Centre). Yet,there is no standard for Cryptosporidium in the Drinking Water Regulations and no national standard operating procedure for the monitoring of oocysts in water supplies. It is the aim of this project to standardise Cryptosporidium testing in Ireland by adopting best practice procedures for the monitoring of Cryptosporidium in public water supplies and private water schemes. Moreover, the significance of other emerging pathogens and chemical contaminants in treated drinking water in the Irish context will be evaluated. Standard operating procedure manual for the monitoring of Cryptosporidium oocysts in drinking water � Report describing the need for a National Testing Service as assessed by a survey of all public and private water supplies. � Cost-benefit analysis of establishing a national testing laboratory as opposed to using existing commercial services. � Setting up of best practice technologies for drinking and raw water Cryptosporidium testing, and assessment of oocyst genotype and viability at the Backweston Laboratory Complex (BLC) � Establish accredited (ISO 17025) Cryptosporidium testing laboratory at BLC � Evaluation of the potential significance of emerging contaminants (biological and chemical) in Irish drinking water

Grant Approved

�192,611.00

Research Hub

Healthy Environment

Research Theme

Impacts on Aquatic Ecosystems & Human Health (including Drinking Water)

Start Date

01/09/2010

Initial Projected Completion Date

30/11/2012