Giardia – A protozoan parasite.  Occurrence in water sample must be confirmed by identification of two or more morphological 
characteristics, nuclei, axoneme and/or median body.
Tag: recycle water
How are MPA groundwater tests conducted?
Samples are collected in accordance with the EPA “Consensus 
Method for Determining Groundwaters Under the Direct Influence 
of Surface Water Using Microscopic Particulate Analysis (MPA).” 
Two sampling events are recommended, one during a dry period and 
a second during a wet period.  Turbidity, temperature, rainfall and 
stream flow records, and conductivity etc. may be used for guidance 
for when to test.
What is MPA and how can it be used to differentiate ground water under surface influence?
What is MPA and how can it be used to differentiate ground 
water under surface influence? 
The premise behind the use of microscopic particulate analysis 
(MPA) is that surface waters are subject to contamination by 
pathogens such as Giardia and that there are other organisms whose 
natural habitat is limited to surface waters.  If these surface water 
organisms are found in ground water, then the water is subject to 
contamination with Giardia cysts and other pathogens.  Indicators of
surface water contamination of ground waters include: Giardia, 
coccidia including Cryptosporidium, diatoms and certain other algae, 
rotifers, green plant material, and insect parts.  
What information is useful in MPA classification?
Historical water quality records 
1.  At least three years of Total Coliform and/or Fecal Coliform data. 
2.  Turbidity and temperature records including those of nearby 
surface water sources. 
3.  No history of a known or suspected outbreak of Giardia, 
Cryptosporidium or other pathogenic organisms associated with 
surface water that has been attributed to the source. 
4.  No evidence of particulate matter associated with surface water. 
On site inspection 
1.  No evidence for surface water infiltration. 
2.  Sufficient distances from surface water sources.Cryptosporidium 
Cymbella (Diatom)
MPA – What is GWUDI – “a ground water source under direct influence of surface water”?
The EPA Guidance Manual defines a ground water source under
direct influence of surface water as water in which there is either:
“significant occurrence of insects or macroorganisms, algae, organic
debris, or large-diameter pathogens such as Giardia lamblia.”
or
“significant and relatively rapid shifts in water characteristics such
as turbidity, temperature, conductivity, or pH which closely correlate
to climatological or surface water condition.”
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Edmonton, Canada – recycles pool water for parks
HazMat Management Magazine
Through the City of Edmonton Water Reuse Program, the seasonal and maintenance closures of swimming pools are coordinated with parks watering operations so ..  Click Here
Environmental Associates Ltd.
Environmental Associates Ltd. is a family-owned business, where we believe in making our customer
#1. Here are a few quick points about EAL.
- Over IO.OOO samples analyzed for Cryptosporidium and Giardia since I987
- Dr. Susan Boutros, Founder and President, was  one of the first to work with Cryptosporidium in
 1987. and Giardia in 1979.
- Our team has over 60 collective years experience with Giardia and Cryptosporidium
- Environmental Associates Ltd. is EPA certified for LT2 Analysis.
Environmental Associates Ltd. offers a variety of microbiological laboratory, research and consulting
services, and EAL is NELAP certified.