Protection of our water resources is one of the most significant environmental challenges of the new millennium. The Environmental Microbiology Program at the El Paso Agricultural Research and Extension Center focuses on current research needs related to microbiological water quality issues along the Texas, New Mexico and Mexico border region. Research interests include molecular source tracking to determine human and animal sources of E. coli and pathogen contamination of water supplies; the quantitative molecular detection and infectivity determination of protozoan, viral and bacterial pathogens; assessment of the efficacy of ultraviolet light disinfection of drinking water, wastewater, and groundwater recharge; and tracking pathogens in reclaimed water irrigation systems. Dr. Di Giovanni has received United States and European patents for methods and kits for the detection of the parasite Cryptosporidium parvum in water. He currently serves as a Technical Laboratory Auditor for Environmental Protection Agency Method 1623, Detection of Cryptosporidium and Giardia in Water in support of the Safe Drinking Water Act. His research has been funded by the American Water Works Association Research Foundation, Environmental Protection Agency, Water Environment Research Foundation, Texas Department of Agriculture, Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, and the Paso del Norte Health Foundation - Center for Border Health Research.