Which of the following is TRUE about waterborne disease occurrence?

The statement that is true about waterborne disease occurrence is that untreated contaminated groundwater and distribution system problems have been significant recent causes of waterborne disease outbreaks. This reflects a growing concern in public health regarding the quality of water sources and the infrastructure used to deliver safe drinking water. Contamination can arise from various sources, such as agricultural runoff or failures in wastewater treatment, pointing to systemic vulnerabilities in public water systems.

Additionally, the assertion that the risk of waterborne disease outbreaks seems to be reduced over the last many years in the U.S. aligns with trends in improved water quality and better sanitation practices overall. Public health initiatives, technological advancements in water treatment, and strict regulations have all contributed to lowering the incidence of such outbreaks. Thus, both aspects of the answer highlight critical factors in understanding waterborne diseases and the challenges faced by the public health sector in maintaining safe drinking water. This combined perspective underscores the importance of continuous monitoring and improvement of water quality and infrastructure.