On-Demand Webinars

VIRUSES AND BACTERIA:
Part 2 Viruses

Viruses are waterborne pathogens that, because of their small size, have a high potential to move deeply through subsurface environments, penetrate aquitards, and reach confined aquifers. Until recently, few water utilities or researchers were aware of possible virus presence in deep aquifers and wells. Over the past several years, repeated detection of viruses in water from both shallow unconfined and deep confined aquifers, shows that viruses can be important groundwater contaminants and threats to human health. Recent research in Wisconsin has conclusively shown that viruses in untreated drinking water, including water from municipal water systems, are impacting human health.

Participants in this webinar will hear state-of-the-art research on viruses in groundwater described in practical terms with immediate implications and applications. The speakers will describe current and recent virus studies on water supply wells, including practical field sampling techniques using glass-wool filters, sample handling, and analytical options. The webinar will also discuss the implications of finding viruses - from the scientific perspective and from the regulatory perspective, including the implications for the water-supply industry and water utilities.

Finally the webinar will present the intriguing possibilities for using viruses as environmental tracers in groundwater, and how ongoing research is investigating this potential.

Highlights of the webinar:

• What are viruses and how they differ from other pathogens (bacteria, protozoa)?
• What are the sources and transport mechanisms for viruses in groundwater?
• Where are viruses found in groundwater?
• What are the human health implications for viruses in groundwater?
• How can virus presence be successfully sampled and tested?
• What do viruses tell us about vulnerability to contamination?

Attendee will:

• Learn basic virus definitions and terminology.
• Understand why virus data can be an important measure of well vulnerability.
• Appreciate why viruses are an important contaminant of concern with significant implications for human health and water treatment.
• Learn accepted techniques for sampling water for viruses.