We are conducting a randomized controlled trial (RCT) to investigate whether consuming water treated by ultraviolet light (UV) compared to consuming untreated private well water decreases the incidence of acute gastrointestinal illnesses (AGI) in children under 5. There are no prior RCTs or established causal links between AGI and the consumption of untreated water from private wells despite the fact that waterborne pathogens have been recovered in groundwater supplies, including in deep aquifers.

This trial is important as it will help to better understand the extent that child acute gastrointestinal illnesses (AGI) can be attributable to consuming untreated private well water and which viral, bacterial and protozoan pathogens are the most likely contributors of AGI in these water supplies. The results will help inform AGI burden estimates and policy decisions regarding the management of private well water supplies globally and across the United States.