Cryptosporidium: One Out of Five Bull Run Water Samples Test Positive, Portland Water Bureau Says

PORTLAND, OR – One out five water samples taken from the Bull Run Watershed intake this month tested positive for Cryptosporidium, Portland Water Bureau officials announced Wednesday.

Testing during the week of March 12 to March 17 resulted in one positive detection of one Cryptosporidium oocyst, a potentially disease-causing microorganism, from a 50-liter sample taken Sunday, March 12.

That positive sample is the fourteenth taken this year, officials said.

After first detecting Cryptosporidium in January, the Portland Water Bureau –– with guidance from the Oregon Health Authority –– increased monitoring at the drinking water intake.

The Bureau will continue to coordinate with Oregon Health Authority officials and test drinking water for Cryptosporidium, but at this time believe risks to public health from drinking the Bull Run water supply is low.

From a Portland Water Bureau statement: “The bureau continues to recommend that people with severely weakened immune systems seek specific advice from their health care providers about drinking water. There is no need for the general public to take additional precautions.”

For more information, and to review Cryptosporidium test results, visit the city’s website.

Portland water customers with questions regarding water quality are encouraged to call 503-823-7525.

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