Baltimore City DPW, Health Department Provide Update on Cryptosporidium, Release New FAQ Document

Today, the Baltimore City Department of Public Works (DPW) together with the Baltimore City Health Department (BCHD), launched extra FAQs on the DPW web site and made the next replace to the general public relating to the invention of low ranges of the microscopic parasite Cryptosporidium discovered throughout a routine check at Druid Lake Reservoir.

The frequently asked questions (FAQ) document is now out there on the DPW web site. This doc solutions necessary well being questions and explains steps that DPW is taking to guard the water provide.

DPW has been collaborating with the Maryland Department of Environment, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and Maryland Department of Health and the Baltimore City Health Department to develop public notification tips primarily based on the detection of Cryptosporidium and to make sure that essentially the most correct message of water security is clearly communicated to the general public. 

In addition, DPW has initiated bottled water supply to senior facilities, senior buildings, nursing properties, and assisted dwelling amenities with 20 or extra residents, which might be within the impacted space inside Baltimore City.

On Thursday, Sept. 28, 2023, DPW introduced that in a routine check of the Druid Lake Reservoir low ranges of the microscopic parasite Cryptosporidium had been found. Cryptosporidium is a microorganism generally present in lakes and rivers, which may probably trigger gastrointestinal issues, notably, in those that are immunocompromised.

This advisory stays in impact till additional discover. This detection impacts solely a portion of the Baltimore area water system, in Baltimore City, Baltimore County, and Howard County. Please relaxation assured that our ingesting water stays protected for the final inhabitants. 

Residents can use an Interactive Map to find out in the event that they dwell in an impacted space.

The affected space is proven within the map beneath.

What is Cryptosporidium?

Cryptosporidium is a microscopic parasite that may be present in water sources. While it could possibly trigger well being points, it is necessary to emphasise that the degrees detected in our water provide don’t pose a right away well being danger to most of the people. Cryptosporidium is extraordinarily chlorine tolerant, like techniques steadily used at hospitals, so secondary therapy is unlikely to cut back its ranges.

What’s The Most Important Thing You Need to Know?

The ranges of Cryptosporidium detected in our water provide point out a low danger for the final inhabitants. This implies that for most individuals, the water continues to be protected to drink.  Based on Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) tips, folks with severely weakened immune techniques are in danger for extra severe illness.

Who ought to take into account taking precautions and what precautions might be taken?

DPW has consulted with the Baltimore City Health Department, which has decided that as a result of low danger, most residents don’t have to take any extra precautions except they’ve an immunocompromising situation. Exposure to Cryptosporidium could cause cryptosporidiosis, signs can embrace diarrhea, vomiting, fever, and abdomen ache. People with wholesome immune techniques usually should not impacted or shortly get well with out medical therapy.

Examples of individuals with weakened immune techniques embrace these with HIV/AIDS, these with inherited illnesses that have an effect on the immune system, most cancers, and transplant sufferers who’re taking sure immunosuppressive medicine.

Those with immunocompromising situations are suggested to:

• Drink bottled water
• Boil water for one minute earlier than consuming
• Filter faucet water utilizing a filter labeled to ANSI/NSF 53 or 58 requirements, or a filter designed to take away objects 1 micron or bigger. These could also be labeled “absolute 1 micron.” (i.e., not Brita-type filters)

Why is testing required?

This check was carried out as a part of DPW’s not too long ago modified Administrative Order on Consent between the City of Baltimore and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which stipulates sampling for Cryptosporidium and Giardia on the City’s uncovered completed reservoirs. Work on the 2 remaining uncovered completed reservoirs, Ashburton and Druid Lake Reservoirs, is predicted to be accomplished by November 30, 2023, and December 30, 2023, respectively.

Samples had been collected on September 19, 2023, on the Druid Lake uncovered reservoir  and thru testing 0.09 Cryptosporidium Oocyst/Liter was detected. The samples observe an intensive laboratory evaluation and outcomes are returned inside seven days; the outcomes for the check taken this month had been returned on September 26, 2023. Monthly sampling collected at Druid Lake Reservoir in August confirmed no indicators of Cryptosporidium.

Please be aware that the latest monitoring outcomes indicated that the supply water shouldn’t be affected by Cryptosporidium. Source water is obtained from the Liberty, Loch Raven, and Prettyboy reservoirs, in addition to the Susquehanna River throughout drought situations that contributes to the City’s water provide. As a part of the water filtration course of, DPW treats supply water for Cryptosporidium earlier than it’s delivered to the completed water reservoirs. This parasite is present in each area of the United States and all through the world, based on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

What occurs subsequent?

DPW will conduct extra frequent sampling for Cryptosporidium on the City’s completed water reservoirs till sampling outcomes can reliably present that Cryptosporidium shouldn’t be detected.

DPW will notify the general public and media on the outcomes of these extra sampling checks.

Where Can I Find Additional Information?

Additional info might be discovered on the CDC Website right here: