Low levels of a microscopic parasite were detected in a reservoir that impacts Baltimore City, Baltimore County and Howard County on Thursday, Sept. 28.
Vulnerable populations such as young children, pregnant women and the immunocompromised should take additional precautions before drinking water in affected areas. To see a map of affected areas, click here.
According to the Baltimore City Department of Public Works (DPW), drinking water remains safe for the general population.
DPW detected low levels of Cryptosporidium, a microscopic parasite, during routine testing of Druid Lake Reservoir. Cryptosporidiosis, also called Crypto, is a disease caused by Cryptosporidium that can cause watery diarrhea, stomach cramps or pain, dehydration, nausea, vomiting, fever and weight loss, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).
DPW notes that the levels of Cryptosporidium detected indicate a low risk for most people, but people with weakened immune systems or other sensitive populations are advised to drink bottled water, boil water for one minute before consuming or filter their tap water with a filter labeled to ANSI/NSF 53 or 58 standards, or a filter designed to remove objects 1 micron or larger.
Young children and people who are pregnant may be at an increased risk for dehydration because of diarrhea and should drink plenty of fluids while ill, according to the CDC.
If you think you or a family member may have Crypto, the CDC advises those with diarrhea whose cause has not been determined to drink plenty of fluids, maintain a balanced diet, avoid caffeinated beverages and avoid alcohol.
Going forward, DPW will be conducting more frequent sampling for the parasite at the city’s finished water reservoirs until results reliably show Cryptosporidium not detected. The affected sample was collected on Sept. 19.
For additional information, updates and a guide to water filters, visit publicworks.baltimorecity.gov.
