2007 Consumer Confidence Report & Annual Water Supply Statement
Cryptosporidium and Giardia information
New York State law requires water suppliers to notify
their customers about the risks of Cryptosporidium and Giardia.
These pathogens are of concern because they are found
in surface water and ground water under the influence
of surface water throughout the United States.
Filtration and disinfection are the best methods for
use against them, but 100% removal or inactivation
cannot be guaranteed. Cryptosporidiosis and Giardiasis are
intestinal illnesses caused by these microscopic
parasites. Symptoms of infection include nausea,
diarrhea, and cramps. Most healthy people can overcome
the disease within a few weeks.
In 2007, the presence of Cryptosporidium and Giardia was tested
for in Otisco, Ontario, and Skaneateles lakes as part
of the routine plans of OCWA, MWB, and the City of
Syracuse Water Department. Both the raw lake waters
and the treated waters were tested. Additionally, OCWA
also tested its recycled wash water, which is water
that is reclaimed after filter backwashing and
returned to the treatment plant influent stream for
retreatment.
OCWA took a total of 36 Cryptosporidium and Giardia
samples in 2007 representing water originating from
Otisco Lake. Monthly samples were taken from the Raw
(untreated) water and the Finished (treated) water.
The Recycled water was also sampled monthly. The
presence of Giardia was detected in the January and
May Raw water samples and in the January Recycle
sample. Cryptosporidium was detected in the January
Raw water sample. No Cryptosporidium or Giardia was
detected in any of the other monthly Raw water or
Recycle samples. No Cryptosporidium or Giardia was
detected in any of the Finished water samples.
MWB took a total of 12 Cryptosporidium and Giardia
samples in 2007 representing water originating from
Lake Ontario. Raw water samples were taken monthly.
Giardia was detected in the March sample and
Cryptosporidium was detected in the September sample.
No Giardia or Cryptosporidium was any of MWB's other
monthly Raw water samples.
The City of Syracuse Water Deptartment took a total of 44
Cryptosporidium and Giardia samples in 2007
representing water originating from Skaneateles Lake.
Two Raw water samples (one from each intake) and one
finished water sample were taken each month. Two
additional sites in the distribution system were
sampled quarterly (Feb, May, Aug, and Nov). No
Cryptosporidium or Giardia were detected in any of the
City of Syracuse's Raw water or Finished water
samples.
During 2007, No Cryptosporidium or Giardia was found in the finished waters of Otisco Lake, Lake Ontario, or Skaneateles Lake.
Some people may be more vulnerable to disease causing
microorganisms or pathogens in drinking water than the
general population. Immuno-compromised persons such as
persons with cancer undergoing chemotherapy, persons
who have undergone organ transplants, people with
HIV/AIDS or other immune system disorders, some
elderly, and infants can be particularly at risk from
infections. These people should seek advice from their
health care provider about their drinking water.
EPA/CDC guidelines on appropriate means to lessen the
risk of infection by Cryptosporidium, Giardia and other microbial
pathogens are available from the Safe Drinking Water
Hotline (800-426-4791).
Individuals who think they may have Cryptosporidiosis
Giardiasis should contact their health care provider
immediately. For additional information on or
, you may contact the Onondaga County Health
Department, in writing at 421 Montgomery St., 12th
Floor, Syracuse, NY 13202 or by calling 315-435-6600.
Bottled water may be a viable alternative; however, the
same degree of caution applied to your tap water
should be used in selecting a bottled water supplier.
To that end, a list of certified bottled waters for
sale in New York (along with their sources) can be
obtained from the New York State Department of Health
by calling 800-458-1158.
The EPA's Surface Water Treatment Rule (SWTR)
established water treatment standards specifically
designed to ensure the removal or deactivation of
Giardia and other microbial contaminants.
The EPA is currently working on enhancing these standards
to further ensure protection against
exposure to Cryptosporidium from drinking water. The OCWA and
MWB treatment plants are in full compliance with all
current operational, monitoring, and reporting
requirements. OCWA's internal performance standards
are actually tougher than the law currently requires.
For example, the SWTR requires a treatment plant's
finished water turbidity (a measure of clarity used to
check filtration particulate removal) to be less than
0.30 NTUs 95% of the time. For 2007 the OCWA
filtration plant finished water turbidity was less
than 0.09 NTUs 95% of the time based on continuous
4-hour sampling intervals. MWB's filtration plant
finished water turbidity, for 2007, averaged less than
0.07 NTUs 95% of the time, again based on 4-hour
sampling intervals. Cryptosporidium regulations contain
improved filtration performance requirements to ensure
removal of any protozoa that may be present. Part
of the enhanced filtration requirements involved
lowering the turbidity criteria from the 0.50 to the
0.30 NTU range. Both the OCWA and MWB treatment plants
are doing better than the regulated levels.
More information:  or 315-455-7061
After hours & weekend emergency answering service 315-475-7601
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