The Safety of Our Drinking Water

Abstract

The question of the safety of drinking water has concerned the American public for more than 150 years. The issues have changed from the dramatic cholera and typhoid epidemics of the 1800s and early 1900s to other microbial pathogens and myriad chemical contaminants.¹ The study by Hayes et al. of a waterborne outbreak of cryptosporidiosis in Georgia reported in this issue of the Journal ² is a dramatic and important reminder of the country's need to keep a vigilant eye on its water supplies.Historically, concern has focused on microbial pathogens in the water supply, but over time the effects of . . .