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In a study that may affect the upcoming Ground Water Rule,the authors of this article determined that because of thewidespread occurrence of virus in groundwater, most wellwater supplies should be disinfected before distribution. Scientificdata were needed to support the upcoming rule, and this studyprovides a snapshot of viral contamination of groundwater at thenational level.This article looks at information regarding the occurrence ofpathogens and microbial indicators in source waters and theirrelationships with different abiotic parameters such as waterquality, geologic formation of groundwater sites, and other factors.Sites were selected based on their geological characteristicsto match the national profile for groundwater sources. Two differentmicrobial methods were used to detect viruses in groundwatersources, and during the study a new microbial detection methodologywas field-tested. Results indicate that when a well testedpositive once for any of the biological assays, it was likely to testpositive in future samplings.This article also offers a strategy to predict the vulnerability ofgroundwater supplies to fecal contamination. Includes 32 references, tables, figures.

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Edition: Vol. 95 - No. 9 Published: 09/01/2003 Number of Pages: 14 File Size: 1 file , 680 KB