Cryptosporidium

To: Day to Day Contacts of Water and Sewerage Companies and Water Companies in England and Wales and Approved Regulatory Cryptosporidium Analytical Laboratory Contacts

17 June 2002

Dear Sir or Madam,

ANALYSIS OF REGULATORY SAMPLES FOR THE MONITORING OF CRYPTOSPORIDIUM OOCYSTS IN TREATED WATER SUPPLIES

Purpose

1. The purpose of this letter is inform laboratories and water companies of recent approvals of products by the Inspectorate. In addition, to update laboratories and companies on current work being undertaken by the Inspectorate.

Introduction

2. The regulatory analysis of samples for Cryptosporidium oocysts is undertaken in accordance with Standard Operating Protocols. The document not only sets down the method of analysis but also prescribes the equipment to undertake the analysis. This letter updates both water companies and laboratories on recent approvals of either equipment or reagents, as well as, the revision of the Standard Operating Protocols.

New Products And Reagents Approved By The Inspectorate

3. The Inspectorate has approved a number of new products and reagents and these are listed below. The approvals will be recorded on the revised DWI website in due course.
1. IDEXX Genera Technologies Limited, Mk 2 Filta-MaxTM filter housings FMC10505;
2. IDEXX Genera Technologies Limited, Automatic Wash Station 220V, FMC10103; and
3. Biotech Frontiers, EasySeedTM, Distributed by TCS Water Sciences.
4. Further information about each of the approved products and reagents can be found on the appropriate Company’s web site.

   Revision of the Standard Operating Protocols Parts 1-4 for the Monitoring of Cryptosporidium oocysts in treated water supplies

5. It has become increasingly apparent that all of the Standard Operating Protocols for the monitoring of Cryptosporidium oocysts are in need of revision and amending in the light of experience gained since the introduction of the Regulations.
6. 1. The first parts of the Standard Operating Protocols to be revised will be Parts 2, 2a and 2b which are being combined into a new single part. A considerable amount of work has already been undertaken in revising the document to include new approvals of equipment and reagents, as well as, amendments to the Protocols to clarify and update the existing document.
   2. In the revised document it is proposed to amend Part 2 of the Standard Operating Protocol to remove the requirement of the monthly submission of a random slide from each analyst carrying out microscopic analysis for checking by an external approved analyst. Instead it is proposed that these checks will be included as part of the audit process. Because the vast majority of slides are negative it is considered that it is not fulfilling a useful purpose. This would not preclude an approved laboratory submitting any slide(s) for confirmation/identification to an external approved analyst, should it so wish. This would be in addition to the requirements of paragraph 6.6 of Part 2 of the Standard Operating Protocol.
7. The other parts of the Standard Operating Protocols will be revised and updated were necessary.
8. Instead of the present system of printing the document it has been decided that a definitive version of the revised parts of the Standard Operating Protocol’s will be put on the DWI website. It will be up to water companies and their analytical contractors to ensure that the latest version is in use. Water companies and their analytical contractors will be informed of any changes or the amendments to the ‘Standard Operating Protocols’ that have been undertaken.
9. Water companies and their analytical contractors comments and suggestions are sought on the revision of the Standard Operating Protocol’s detailed in paragraphs 5-8 of this letter. Water companies and analytical contractors should address their views and comments to Tony Hallas.

Enquiries

10. Any enquiries to this letter should be addressed to Tony Hallas (telephone; 020-7944-5983).
11. Copies of this letter are being sent to Pamela Taylor, Chief Executive, Water UK; Rodney Anderson, Water Supply and Regulation Division, Department of the Environment Food and Rural Affairs; Bob Macey, Environment Division, Welsh Assembly Government; Tim Hooton, Water Services Unit, Scottish Executive; Randal Scott, Drinking Water Inspectorate for Northern Ireland; Rowena Tye, Office of Water Services and Steve Kippin, LGC Teddington Ltd.
12. Please acknowledge receipt of this letter using the enclosed slip and envelope.

Yours faithfully

D F Drury
Principal Inspector

Department for Enviroment,
Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA)

The National Assembly for Wales /
Cynulliad Cenedlaethol Cymru

Last updated April 2003

Web site terms
© Crown copyright 2002