homepage - programs - watersentinels - microbiological contaminationn
Sierra Club Water Sentinels
Microbiological Contamination
Microbiological contamination of our waterways and drinking water is one of the Water Sentinel's top priority issues. We monitor water quality and develop strategies to reduce contamination.
Nearly 20 million people -- more than the entire population of New York State -- fall ill from contaminated water every year. Many parts of the country are experiencing outbreaks of bacteria and pathogens, including coliform bacteria, giardia, cryptosporidium, intestinal worms, inhaled molds and fungi, and hepatitis A.
The main sources of this pollution are sewer overflows and runoff from factory farms and agricultural operations that produce animal waste and use that waste as fertilizer.
We hope you will join us as we work to protect the American public from these sources of water pollution.
Learn more | Find Water Sentinels in your area | Contact us