Escherichia coli (E. coli 0157:H7)

Escherichia coli (also known as E. coli 0157:H7) is a natural part of a river ecosystem. It is the concentration of E. coli that is a health hazzard. The Carthage Missouri High School Stream Team reported the following levels on E. coli during the Public Hearing on February 16, 2005. The US Environmental Protection Agency has determined that if levels of E. coli exceed 235 organisms (Colony Forming Unit or Cfu) per 100 mL of water, a health risk to humans may exist and recreational waters should be closed to the public. In Vermont, the health protective level in recreational water is set at 77 organisms per 100 mL of swimming water. In Indiana the maximum level is 125. In Missouri, there is a proposal to lower the maximum level to 126; currently the maximum level in Missouri is 200. The average E. coli level in Spring River is 329.
Site #2
06/26/2004 235.9 E. coli, Cfu/100mL
07/24/2004 1,203.13
08/28/2004 231.0
09/18/2004 344.8
09/25/2004 166.4
10/01/2004 461.1
10/02/2004 920.8
10/07/2004 2,419.6
10/08/2004 1,413.6
10/08/2004 980.4
10/22/2004 196.8

Site #3
06/26/2004 290.9 E. coli, Cfu/100 mL
07/24/2004 1,986.28
08/28/2004 77.6
09/18/2004 172.0
09/25/2004 172.3
10/01/2004 461.1
10/02/2004 344.1
10/08/2004 816.4
10/22/2004 63.8

The high levels of E. coli can be due to leaking and overflowing of sanitary sewer systems, leaking septic tanks, effluent discharges from animal production facilities or the release of animal feces into the water. What do you think? Were you in Spring River on any of these dates?