Cryptosporidium is a protozoan parasite and one-celled animal too small to be seen without a microscope. It’s common in surface waters (lakes and rivers), especially when these waters contain a high amount of sewage or animal waste.
Cryptosporidium can cause symptoms that include diarrhea, nausea, stomach cramps or all three. Because many other conditions can produce these same symptoms, a special laboratory test is needed to find out whether Cryptosporidium is the cause.
The District monitors the raw and treated water at both treatment plants for Cryptosporidium with monthly tests. It has never been found in our treated water.