What is cryptosporidia?
According to the United Stated Center for Disease Control, “Cryptosporidiosis is a diarrheal disease caused by microscopic parasites of the genus Cryptosporidium. Both the disease and the parasite are commonly known as “Crypto.” Many species of Cryptosporidium exist that infect humans and a wide range of animals. The parasite is protected by an outer shell that allows it to survive outside the body for long periods of time and makes it very resistant to chlorine disinfection. While this parasite can be transmitted in several different ways, water is a common method of transmission and Cryptosporidium is one of the most frequent causes of waterborne disease (drinking water and recreational water) among humans in the United States.” Because both animals and humans carry crypto, it is found in most surface water sources. The potential for contamination can be estimated by the surrounding influences, such as agricultural operations, high concentrations of wildlife and/or well-traveled back
