Parasite found in drinking water could make vulnerable people in Baltimore area sick, DPW says

Written by ROHAN MATTU, PAUL GESSLER

BALTIMORE -- Low levels of a microscopic parasite were found during routine testing of Druid Lake Reservoir, the Baltimore Department of Public Works said, meaning the drinking water could sicken some vulnerable populations in parts of Baltimore, Baltimore County and Howard County.

The parasite Cryptosporidium could potentially cause gastrointestinal problems in those who are immunocompromised, elderly, or children, officials said. Those populations are advised to take precautions like boiling their drinking water.

"Please rest assured that our drinking water remains safe for the general population. This is not related, or in any way comparable, to previous water-related issues," the agency said in a statement.

West Baltimore resident Clarence Young said he's concerned by the situation.  

"We're just getting off a pandemic, and now you have a situation with the water. One would be a little afraid or paranoid about that," Young said.  

Dr. Tamar Green from the Baltimore City Health Department said that the risk has been determined to be low based on data from DPW.

Since the samples take a week to return results, water from the reservoir has been released.

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