The project led to the development and validation of new methods for recovery of Cryptosporidium from water. A 50 L source water method was developed and validated and is now an EPA standard. The new methods permit sampling and analysis of larger volumes of water, resulting in increased sensitivity of the assay. The other improvements make the methods more efficient by reducing overall costs and increasing productivity in the lab. This is a direct economic benefit to the industry. As part of the design of the study, the methods were validated using the USEPA's method modification criteria so that the new methods are USEPA standards.