Short-term Variability of Giardia Cyst and Cryptosporidium Oocyst Concentrations in a Surface Water Source used for Potable Water

This report addresses the issue of source water variability by examining a site on the Delaware River for Giardia cysts and Cryptosporidium oocysts and other water quality indicators on a total of 72 occasions during 1996. There is a concern that monthly samples may not reflect the true variability found in surface waters. To address this issue, this study consists of both short-term and long-term sampling of surface waters. The methods used in this study were not entirely successful. Efforts should be made to develop a more comprehensive sampling strategy to capture both baseline and event occurrences.The research for this report was conducted by the American Water Works Service Company, in conjunction with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, Division of Science and Research, through NJDEP's Drinking Water Research Program. The project was funded by the Safe Drinking Water Fund ("A-280") of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, Division of Science and Research (#48403543999), and the American Water System, Vorhees, New Jersey