Water borne illness is any illness that is acquired through the ingestion of water containing disease causing organisms (bacteria, virus, and parasites). This may occur when drinking untreated water that is contaminated (surface water such as ponds, streams and dugouts are of particularly high risk) or through ingestion while swimming.

Symptoms vary slightly depending on the organism, but can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, fever and more. These symptoms will usually appear within a few days of exposure, but may take weeks or even months to show.

Some examples of water borne disease causing organisms are Giardia (Beaver Fever), Cryptosporidium, and E.coli to name a few. For specific information about these illnesses, and others, refer to the BC Health Files .

Environmental Health Officers (EHOs) receive confirmed lab reports and perform a follow-up in the same way they would for a food borne illness. A detailed history is taken of foods eaten, water sources used and other high risk activities (such as swimming in a lake) for the particular organism identified by the lab.

What if I think I have a Water Borne Illness?

Consult your doctor and discuss the symptoms you are experiencing. To verify which organism is causing your illness, you will be asked to provide a stool sample. The results of this sample will allow your doctor to determine the appropriate treatment. If you are suffering from a food or water borne illness, you will be contacted by an EHO for a follow-up to determine the probable cause of the illness and discuss prevention measures to limit further spread.