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Cryptosporidium
Frequently Asked Questions
What is cryptosporidium?
Cryptosporidium is a protozoan parasite that lives
and reproduces in the intestines of mammals, including humans. It gets
into the water supply from the fecal material of infected mammals. Research
indicates that cryptosporidium is present in 95 percent of all surface
water sources in America.
Cryptosporidiosis, sometimes called "crypto,"
is the sickness that cryptosporidium causes. The symptoms include diarrhea,
headache, fever, cramping and nausea. Generally, people with a strong
immune system will show symptoms for 10 to 15 days without treatment.
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What are the cryptosporidium levels in the water the district provides?
The Santa Clara Valley Water District has never found measurable levels
of cryptosporidium in its treated water.
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I have an immune system deficiency. Should I stop drinking tap water?
While the Santa Clara Valley Water District has never found measurable
amounts of cryptosporidium in our treated water, we recommend that you
discuss this issue with your physician. For questions about AIDS and
cryptosporidium, contact the county health officer, Dr. Martin Fenstersheib,
at (408) 885-4214.
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What do you do to get cryptosporidium out of the water?
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency guides us in our efforts to
detect and remove cryptosporidium with filters. EPA has specific rules
which include removal requirements for cryptosporidium and gives us
more stringent standards to follow when we assess how our treatment
process is doing at removing the microbe.
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Is the water safe for the general public to drink?
Yes, the water is safe for the general population to drink. If you have
a medical condition that suppresses your immune system (like HIV infection),
or if you are worried about the quality of your tap water, you can consult
your doctor for recommendations or follow the advice given above.
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Where can I get more information?
For more information about your water quality, contact Senior Water Quality Engineer Angela Cheung at (408) 265-2607, ext. 2735.
For information on home water treatment devices:
For information on bottled
water regulations and quality:
- Preventing
Cryptosporidiosis:
A Guide to Water Filters and Bottled Water, U.S. Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention.
- Wayland Ho, Food and Drug Investigator, California
Department of Health Services, Food and Drug Branch, 100 Paseo de
San Antonio, Room 304, San Jose, CA 95113
- International Bottled Water Association,
113 North Henry Street, Alexandria, VA, 22314, (703) 683-5213
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