U.K Government Takes Steps to Control Cryptosporidium

British Environment Minister Michael Meacher has proposed control measures to protect the public against the parasite Cryptosporidium, sometimes found in drinking water supplies. The parasite can cause illness that may last for weeks.

Three measures are being proposed:

• New regulations would require continuous monitoring of treated drinking water for crypto at water utilities where there is an indicated high risk

• The Drinking Water Inspectorate's ability to prosecute water utilities where monitoring detects the presence of crypto at an unacceptable level will be reinforced

• It will be a criminal offense if a utility fails to treat water adequately, and an unlimited fine may be the result of a conviction.

Meacher said he welcomes public comment on the proposed rules. He added: "The intention is to encourage the operation of water treatment plants in line with best practice, which should prevent Cryptosporidium in drinking water causing illness."

The Drinking Water Inspectorate investigated an outbreak of cryptosporidiosis that affected a large number of people in the Torbay, Devon area, as well as in two other locations, in August and September 1995. A lawsuit was brought against South West Water in Bristol Crown Court under the Water Industry Act 1991 in September 1997. However, the report of the Outbreak Control Team was not admitted as evidence and the company was acquitted at that time.