Microbial Fact Sheets

Fact sheets are provided on potential waterborne pathogens as well as on indicator and index microorganisms.

The potential waterborne pathogens include: 

• bacteria, viruses, protozoa and helminths, with the exception of Schistosoma, which is primarily spread by contact with contaminated surface water during bathing and washing;
• potentially emerging pathogens, including Helicobacter pylori, Tsukamurella, Isospora belli and microsporidia, for which waterborne transmission is plausible but unconfirmed;
• Bacillus, which includes the foodborne pathogenic species Bacillus cereus but for which there is no evidence at this time of waterborne transmission; and
• hazardous cyanobacteria.