Why are “Waterborne Diseases” a major concern?
Basic water supply protection and public health policy prohibits human and animal wastes in or adjacent to tributaries of surface water supplies because of the high potential risk of contamination from feces containing viruses, bacteria, and other organisms, including Giardia and Cryptosporidium, which cause waterborne diseases. In this discussion regarding public access, the Division has emphasized its focus on microbiological pathogen prevention by reducing the threat from domesticated animals (e.g., horses, dogs, etc.) using control measures and monitoring. Evidence of impacts to water quality by recreational uses is provided by MDC/DWM’s review of the scientific literature. Due to emerging detection techniques, the results of many scientific studies vary with respect to threat type, significance, use type and intensity, as well as secondary effects. The Division will remain cautious and conservative in its access policy. MDC/DWM is addressing water quality threats from wildlife sou
