Citation:

Impact/Purpose:

This technical assistance document details the method developed for the rapid detection and identification of non-enteric pathogens in recreational waters. This document was prepared in support of the Water Quality Criteria Plan.

Description:

Current microbial indicators of pathogen occurrence in various water media that EPA either regulates or provides health criteria for have been demonstrated to have deficiencies in providing an accurate assessment of pathogen occurrence. One reason is that current indicators are designed to specify the presence of fecal (enteric) contamination, based on the assumption that fecal pathogens are more likely to have a fecal-oral route of contamination and are more likely to occur in concentrations resulting in infection. Non-enteric pathogens are not accounted for. Thus, waterborne pathogens which may cause diseases affecting the nose, mouth, skin etc. may occur in water sources that appear to be pathogen free.

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