waterborne disease

waterborne disease

Any disease transmitted by consuming or bathing in water. Common disease-causing agents that contaminate water include Cryptosporidium, Cyclospora, some hepatitis viruses, Escherichia coli 0157:H7, and metallic toxins.

Information on waterborne contamination can be obtained from the Environmental Protection Agency's Safe Drinking Water Hotline: www.epa.gov/watrhome, 1-800-426-4791