What is an Environmental Reservoir?

Question

I understand what a reservoir is but what makes it environmental?

Answer 1

Environmental reservoir is a term used in describing a place where pathogens, like viruses or bacteria, can exist in high abundance, and, when conditions are right, can be released and cause a high incidence of human infection.

For example, there is a bacterium, Enterobacter sakazakii, that can cause meningitis, sepsis, etc., especially in infants.  One reservoir for this bacterium is in the guts of housefly larvae.  So, if housefly larvae contaminate formula or baby food or something, you can get a outbreak.  The bacteria normally isn't in humans, so it's kept in the reservoir of the larvae.