Cryptosporidium and Bull Run Update
Posted on March 15, 2017 by Janice Thompson
Tags, Water/Wastewater
On February 16, 2017, CUB blogged about Cryptosporidium, a tiny parasite that can cause gastrointestinal distress, and the switch from Bull Run water to its backup groundwater wells.
The Portland Water Bureau (PWB) has a water treatment variance from the Oregon Health Authority that requires a rigorous testing regime for Cryptosporidium; testing that “out of an abundance of caution” triggered last month’s switch to groundwater. This week PWB is switching back to Bull Run water after consultation with the Oregon Health Authority and Multnomah County Health Department.
The Multnomah County Health Department regularly monitors for illness caused by Cryptosporidium, but issued an alert to the medical community in February and to ensure testing of possible cases. “Our ongoing surveillance for Cryptosporidium illness has not detected any unexpected increase,” said Multnomah County Health Officer Dr. Paul Lewis. “At this time the general public does not need to take any additional precautions. As always, we recommend that people with severely compromised immune systems discuss their individual health needs with their physicians.”
A March 8th test detected one Cryptosporidium oocyst and though detections seem likely to continue, the low level of these findings also contributed to the decision to return to Bull Run water. All sampling results are posted at www.portlandoregon.gov/water/cryptoresults.
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03/15/17 | 0 Comments | Cryptosporidium and Bull Run Update