If there is a problem concerning Giardia or Cryptosporidium, the Environmental Microbiology Laboratory is not certified to test for these organisms. Infection by Giardia is usually associated with surface waters. Most people do not drink the surface water in Kansas. It has been found that in Kansas; the focus of the majority of cases of Giardia are daycare centers, senior care centers and persons returning from other states having drank untreated surface water. Cryptosporidium is yet an unresolved problem of contamination. When testing drinking water for these protozoan organisms one must go to an out of state laboratory approved by the EPA. There are about 15 of these laboratories. It is possible, but unusual, to find a well which is positive for these parasites, but coliform negative. If there is a decision that testing is needed for either of these organisms or enteric viruses, one must consider these items:

The cost of testing will include:

1. rental and shipment of collection equipment,
2. collecting between one liter to 2000 liters depending on the type of water,
3. the shipment of the equipment and specimen back to the laboratory, and
4. then the analysis of the sample. The cost may be around $700.00.

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Selected Labs Testing for Giardia, Cryptosporidium and Enteric Viruses*

* Not a complete list as of 6/25/2001.

For a complete up to date list with addresses call the Safe Drinking Water Hotline, (800) 426-4791 Laboratories testing for protozoa for Information collection Rule are listed on the EPA website: http://www.epa.gov/safewater/lablist/protlab.html or contact Mary Ann Fiege at 513-569-7944

If there is a problem with Legionella in drinking water for analysis contact:

• Dr. Rebecca Horvat, Ph.D.
  University of Kansas Hospital
  Kansas City, KS.
  (913) 588-1753 or e-mail: rhorvat@kumc.edu