EPA concerned about water-borne bug

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is calling for more testing of drinking water following an increase in outbreaks of cryptosporidium.

The deadly parasite can cause fever and stomach upsets and can be fatal in the young and the elderly.

In its latest report on water quality, the EPA said the number of cryptosporidium outbreaks in Ireland has risen substantially in 2005, but this could be due to improved reporting and surveillance.

The EPA said that, while water supplies for 84% of the population were satisfactory, the quality of private group water schemes remains a real cause for concern.