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

19 August 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 to 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 the Standard Operating Protocol. This 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 Protocol.

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. Pall Life Sciences EnvirochekTM filter for the sampling of Cryptosporidium oocysts;
   2. Dynal Biotech MPC-S magnetic particle concentrator; and
   3. Biotech Frontiers, EasyPCTM, 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. The first draft of the revised Part 2 of the Standard Operating Protocol has been produced and given an initial circulation for proof reading and comment. When the SOP has been amended in the light of these comments, it is intended that there will be a general circulation of the draft for familiarization and comment prior to it being implemented.
6. Significant progress has been made on Part 1 of the SOP and this will also be circulated shortly for comment prior to implementation.

Enquiries

7. Any enquiries to this letter should be addressed to Tony Hallas (telephone; 020-7944-5983, email; tony.hallas@defra.gsi.gov.uk).
8. 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.
9. 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

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