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in environmental microbiology I am concern for the long term public health effects horses or other large domestic animals could have on drinking water systems in this area. My area of expertise covers groundwaters and in fact ' am the developer of laboratory and field methods used by California and other states to determine which ground waters are under the direct influence of surface water and therefore subject to contamination by the microorganisms mentioned above. We are now convinced that man and his domesticated animals are more closely linked in the spread of disease then ever before, particularly with regard to protozoan parasite such Giardia and Cryptospordium (G/C) and certain gastrointestinal bacteria such as E. coli 057 :H7 . New emerging protozoans parasites such as Cyclosporia and Microsporidium my also be carried by domestic animals and possess the same potential to be spread by the water route. Protozoans parasites such as G/C survive in the environment (including ground waters) for longer periods of time. They are protected from environmental assaults by the cysts and oocyst they produce during fecal excretion. The oocysts of Cryptospordium and are known the be totally resistant to chemical disinfection including all forms of chlorination. As an example, the surface water used by the City of Tracy (Delta Mendota Canal) near the airport (5 miles west of this parcel) is grossly contaminated with these parasites and is known in California as one of the worse source water drinking water sites in the state. Extensive treatment including conventional filtration and chlorination is required by the State to deal with this type of contamination. Even with this treatment, I am certain that Cryptospordium oocysts will be found in the finished water once the national EPA Information Collection Rule (ICR) requires the monitoring in of this and other organism in surface water and ground water under the influence of surface water. This monitoring will start early next year and will cost water utilities and the nation $160, 000, 000. At the present time the ICR is the number one priority at EPA and is proceeding ahead in spite of major budget reductions. In conclusion, I feel that the pasturing of horse or other large animals known to be infected with parasites or bacteria infectious to humans should be prohibited or at lease mitigated to insure that irrigation water is retained within the confines of the property away from any well water source. If you are in need of any further information please contact me at 209-835-0625 or at the address below. 4Gorg cere y, �v J. Vasconcelos 7999 Linne Rd Tracy, CA 95376 cc: Public Health Parks and Recreation Banta-Carbona Irrigation District