WHEREAS, Human ingestion of the microbial parasite cryptosporidium can cause serious illness and even death, particularly for people with weakened immune systems, such as AIDS; and

WHEREAS, The death of 110 people in Milwaukee in 1993 was attributed to this parasite; and

WHEREAS, This parasite can reach humans through public drinking water supplies; and

WHEREAS, The detection of this parasite in public water supplies, and the public notification thereof in appropriate cases, is in the best interest of the public health, safety and welfare.

NOW, THEREFORE, be it hereby

RESOLVED, That Rhode Island water supply agencies be and hereby are requested to devise and institute routine monitoring procedures designed to detect, as much as scientifically possible, the presence of cryptosporidium in public drinking water supplies, and to notify the director of the Department of Health upon the detection of such parasite; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the director of the Department of Health be and hereby is directed to transmit a copy of this resolution to each water supply agency in Rhode Island as she deems appropriate; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to the director of the Department of Health.