Press Releases at EMSL

Early January saw widespread flooding in Illinois and Missouri that caused millions of dollars in property damage. Flooded homes, schools and businesses disrupted the lives of countless people in the area and it will takes weeks to months to cleanup and repair the damages.  

To make matters worse, people who depend on well water should also be aware of the potential for the floodwaters to contaminate some wells. One such common contaminant is known as Giardia. It is a microscopic parasite that causes the diarrheal illness known as giardiasis and can be found in water that has been polluted with feces from infected humans or animals. Symptoms of illness normally begin one to three weeks after becoming infected. In otherwise healthy people, symptoms of the illness may last from two to six weeks, but occasionally lasts longer.  

Giardia cysts are protected by an outer shell that allows them to survive outside of the body for long periods of time, sometimes weeks or months, and makes them tolerant to chlorine disinfection. Wells may be more vulnerable to Giardia contamination after flooding, particularly if the wells are shallow, have been dug or bored, or have been submerged by floodwater for long periods of time according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). 

“To prevent becoming sick due to ingesting Giardia, contaminated water needs to be thoroughly boiled or the correct type of point-of-use filter should be used,” said Jason Dobranic, Ph.D., Vice President of Microbiology and Life Sciences at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “For those concerned about the possible presence of Giardia or other microbial contaminants in their well water or other water source, EMSL offers comprehensive testing services and sampling supplies.”  

In addition to water testing services, EMSL has also sponsored an educational video about Giardia that can be seen at: http://youtu.be/jlvXtvWm80A.  

To learn more about Giardia or other aquatic microbiology and environmental testing services, please visit www.AquaticMicrobiologyLab.com or www.EMSL.com, email info@EMSL.com or call (800) 220-3675.

EMSL Analytical is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider of environmental, indoor air quality, consumer product and materials testing services and products for professionals and the general public.  The company has an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies.