What You Need to Know About Parasites in Drinking Water
According to the CDC, about 7.2 million Americans get sick every year from diseases spread through water. Two of the most common waterborne illnesses are caused by the parasites Cryptosporidium and Giardia intestinalis (also called Giardia lamblia or Giardia duodenalis).
Cryptosporidium and Giardia are microscopic parasites that can be found in water sources contaminated with human or animal poop. When the parasites get into your body, they live and reproduce in your intestines and are passed through your poop. Cryptosporidium (sometimes called “crypto”) and Giardia both cause diarrheal disease.