What is the primary method for removing Cryptosporidium from water?

The primary method for removing Cryptosporidium from water is filtration. Cryptosporidium is a resilient protozoan cyst that is resistant to many conventional disinfection methods, including chlorination. Due to its tough outer shell, Cryptosporidium can survive in chlorinated water systems, making filtration an essential step for ensuring its removal.

Filtration processes, particularly those that utilize microfiltration or ultrafiltration, are effective because they physically separate the Cryptosporidium cysts from the water. These filters have pore sizes small enough to capture the protozoa while allowing clean water to pass through. This physical removal process is a critical barrier against this pathogen, which is significant for protecting public health since Cryptosporidium can cause gastrointestinal illness.

While ultraviolet light treatment can also be effective against many pathogens, it does not physically remove them from the water. Ozonation is another disinfection method, but it is not as effective against Cryptosporidium due to its resistance to ozone. Therefore, filtration is recognized as the most reliable method for removing Cryptosporidium from water supplies.