Technical presentations at the beginning of the workshop provided participants with current information to assist in the design of the proposed epidemiological studies: Water sources and treatment used in the United States; Occurrence of waterborne pathogens in water sources and tap water; Etiologic agents causing waterborne disease; Water system deficiencies associated with reported waterborne outbreaks; Analytical methods for detecting pathogens in water samples and clinical specimens; and Human dose response issues for Norwalk virus and Cryptosporidium. Participants were also informed about the objectives, study designs, and preliminary results of recently completed and ongoing waterborne disease epidemiological studies; A general discussion of the fundamental questions surrounding the proposed epidemiological studies followed the technical presentations. Participants then met separately in three break-out groups for further discussions. Each group summarized their deliberations at the end of the first day. During the second day, workshop participants identified and discussed the important issues that should be considered in designing and conducting the proposed epidemiological studies. This report summarizes these issues.

"Office of Ground Water and Drinking Water." "University of Colorado at Boulder." "Project Officers: James Westrick and Hiba Shukairy." "August 1998." "EPA 815-R-98-005." "Number CX 819579." Includes bibliographical references (p. 150-153).