Groundwater: hidden treasure or Pandora’s box? A case study on resistant bacteria in the drink watersupply at Oasen, Gouda: an interdisciplinary approach

Abstract

As increasing evidence of the march of the antimicrobial resistant bacteria increased awareness, governments and health agencies have started investigations on how to minimize risks for public health. These studies revealed the large-scale usage of antibiotics and its effects on water-collection areas. In this study, we will try to provide a broader and more comprehensive answer to the question to what extent resistant bacteria in the aquatic system pose a threat to public health by contaminating potable water in water-collection areas. We will focus on one particular water treatment plant, namely Oasen in Gouda. Therefore, this study is focussed on one single aquatic system. Furthermore, we will narrow the public health component to the most harmful bacteria for the civil community receiving their potable water from Oasen.