EPA-909/9-73-002
COLORADO RIVER BACTERIOLOGICAL SURVEY
PARKER STRIP AND LAKE HAVASU
May 25-29, 1973
A Joint Study by the
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region IX
and
State of Arizona, Department of Health
Report Prepared by
Surveillance and Analysis Division
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region IX
San Francisco, California
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EPA-909/9-73-002
COLORADO RIVER BACTERIOLOGICAL SURVEY
PARKER STRIP AND LAKE HAVASU
May 25-29, X973
A Joint Study by the
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region IX
and
State of Arizona, Department of Health
Report Prepared by
Surveillance and Analysis Division
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region IX
San Francisco, California
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
SUMMARY 1
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 1
FINDINGS 1A
INTRODUCTION 2
METHODS 4
RESULTS 15
DISCUSSION 27
APPENDIX 1 - Field Notes of EPA Personnel 1-i to v
APPENDIX 2 - Field Notes of Boat Crew . 2-i
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LIST OF TABLES
Number Page
1 Station Numbers and Description 5
2 Total and Fecal Coliforms per 100 ml by 5 - 14
Station
3 Stations Showing Violations of Standards 16
4 Visitation Figures 17
ii
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LIST OF FIGURES
Number Page
1 Station Locations, Parker Strip 6
2 Station Locations, Lake Havasu 7
3 Photograph, Blue Water Marina Beach 18
4 Photograph, Buckskin Mountain Effluent and 19
Swimmers
5 Photograph, Buckskin Mountain Effluent Pipe 20
6 Photograph, Crazy Horse Beach 21
7 Photograph, Crazy Horse Beach 22
8 Photograph, Crazy Horse, Lavatory and Percolation 23
Bed
9 Photograph, Crazy Horse, Ponding on Percolation Bed 24
10 Photograph, Crazy Horse, Ponding on Percolation Bed 25
11 Photograph, Crazy Horse, Ponding on Percolation Bed 26
111
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SUMMARY
A bacteriological survey of the Parker Strip - Lake Havasu
areas of the Colorado River was conducted jointly by the State
of Arizona and the Environmental Protection Agency, Region IX,
during the Memorial Day weekend, May 25-29, 1973. Results of
the study showed that fecal coliform counts exceeded the lev-
els recommended for primary contact recreation water at Blue
Water Marina and Buckskin Mountain State Park. Disease-causing
bacteria (Arizona group, Salmonellae) were recovered from the
River in the vicinity of the pipe carrying effluent from the
Buckskin treatment plant. Included is a photograph of people
swimming and playing next to this effluent pipe. Photographic
evidence documents ponding of liquid over the septic tank
leach fields during a peak-use period at Crazy Horse State
Park. The public has easy access to this area.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
This study was conducted jointly by the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency, Region IX, Surveillance and Analysis Divi-
sion, and the State of Arizona, Department of Health.
The final report was prepared by Kathleen G. Shimmin, Lab Sup-
port Branch, Surveillance and Analysis Division, EPA Region IX,
in cooperation with William H. shafer, Jr., State of Arizona,
Department of Health, who authored the Introduction.
R. Mandel, Surveillance and Analysis Division, EPA Region IX,
obtained shore samples and prepared field notes at shoreline
sampling stations. Lab analyses were performed by Helen
Johnson, Lab Support Branch, Surveillance and Analysis Divi-
sion. W. Shafer and R. Munari, Department of Health, State
of Arizona, obtained deep water samples and prepared field
notes at deepwater sampling stations. Photographs were taken
by K. Shimmin and R. Mandel.
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FINDINGS
1. Blue Water Marina does not provide adequate sewage dis-
posal facilities and the River is contaminated during
peak-use periods.
Control measures might include placing chemical toilets
at convenient intervals along the beach, extending the
existing sanitary system, and limiting the number of peo-
ple the concessionaire admits to the beach.
2. The Colorado River at Station 1A (above the Blue Water
Marina Beach) is contaminated. The source is undeter-
mined.
3. Buckskin Mountain State Park does not provide adequate
sewage disposal facilities and the River is contaminated
during peak-use periods. Control measures could include
limiting the number of campers, increasing the amount of
chlorination during peak use periods, and enlarging the
treatment plant or otherwise ensuring adequate operation.
4. The effluent pipe from the Buckskin Mountain package
treatment plant is poorly located. The end is exposed
during low-water periods and is in close proximity to a
swimming area. The area is presently not posted to limit
swimming in the immediate vicinity of the pipe.
5. At Crazy Horse Campground concession the septic tank leach
field area is inadequate and sewage ponds on the surface.
Public access to the area is not limited, nor is the area
posted as to the public health hazard.
1A
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INTRODUCTION
The Parker Strip is 14.6 miles of Colorado River located
between Parker Dam and Headgate Rock Diversion Dam. On the
Arizona side of the river, property rights are a patchwork of
private, Indian, state, county, and federal ownership. Some
of the property has been extensively developed and exploited,
while some has remained almost untouched. Intense development
and extensive water recreation, coupled with marginal waste
disposal facilities, have created concern among local, county,
state and federal health agencies. This report contains the
results of one cooperative study between the Environmental
Protection Agency and the Arizona State Department of Health.
Initial development of the Parker Strip took place on private,
Indian, and public lands that were available and suitable for
vacation cabin and/or trailer sites. Suitable sites in gen-
eral were level areas adjacent to the river on shallow allu-
vial sands and gravels. These alluvial deposits occur at
mouths of numerous intermittent watercourses. Remaining
lands, particularly at the upstream reach near Parker Dam,
are composed of sandstone, limestone, shale and some granite
gneiss. This topography limits areas suitable for septic
tanks and disposal fields. Some alluvial areas have good
soil permeability but their utility is limited by high ground-
water tables in areas adjacent to the river.
Increased development and density of building trailer parks
and recreation sites have placed a high demand on existing
waste treatment systems, particularly those systems for which
there is little or no room for expansion. Many of the origi-
nal septic tank leach field systems are substandard in design;
some have been referred to as imaginative. To reduce the load
on inadequate systems, pipes have been run directly to the
river to carry kitchen and other sink wastes, to relieve over-
load leaching areas and in some cases to carry raw sewage.
Every three years, during January or February, the river level
is lowered significantly. During these periods of flow, state
and county officials have walked the shoreline and investi-
gated all pipes for purpose and origin. Particular attention
has been paid locating raw sewage sources or failing leaching
systems. In cooperation with Yuma County, all systems carry-
ing untreated wastewater to the river have been eliminated.
However, the inspection frequency is such that more recent
discharges are possible.
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Buckskin Mountain State Park is served by a 10,000-gallon per
day extended aeration wastewater treatment plant. Effluent
from the plant is chlorinated and discharged to the river
upstream of a swimming area. A sharp bend in the river above
the swimming area may carry the effluent to the opposite side
of the river. Complaints regarding plant operation have been
received in the past. Current operation, verified by periodic
inspections by the Arizona State Department of Health, has
been fairly good but the potential for operation difficulties
is always present. Experience has shown that operation prob-
lems are common with this type of treatment.
Recreational use of the Strip area is at a maximum on week-
ends, but major holidays tax all facilities to the limit. The
strain on facilities coupled with body contact water recrea-
tion create a potential health hazard. Overcrowding of
beaches and camping areas places additional demands on sani-
tary facilities.
Complaints are frequent and relate to overflowing septic
tanks, broken waste lines in trailer parks and fecal contami-
nation of the river. Complaints regarding septic tanks and
waste lines can be verified, and corrective action is usually
forthcoming in a reasonable length of time. Complaints
regarding the river have been more troublesome.
Because of the preceding conditions, both the Environmental
Protection Agency and the Arizona State Department of Health
decided independently to do bacteriological sampling over the
Memorial Day weekend. This sampling effort was combined into
a single study to meet both federal and state needs. Sampling
locations were selected to monitor point sources and their
impact on the river, above and below areas with potential sep-
tic tank problems and at important recreation areas.
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METHODS
The mobile laboratory was stationed near the Federal
housing area at Parker Dam. Samples were collected and
delivered to the laboratory in shifts so that all process-
ing could be completed within four to five hours of col-
lection.
Station locations are listed in Table 1. Some beach areas
were sampled from the land (1A,B,C,D; 6A,B,C; 8A,B; 9A,B)
and the remainder collected by boat (2A,B; 3; 4A,B; 5).
Personnel from Arizona Department of Health, collected the
boat samples; EPA collected land samples. Maps of the lo-
cations are shown in Figures 1 and 2.
The study extended for five days, May 25 - 29, 1973. Total
and fecal coliform tests were performed daily. Based upon
the findings of the first two days, four locations were se-
lected for Salmonella studies: Stations ID (Blue Water
Marina, downstream of beach); 5 (Ah-Villa Park); 6B (Buck-
skin Mountain State Park, receiving water at end of dis-
charge pipe); and 8B (Lake Havasu, Crazy Horse Campground,
center of beach area). Salmonella testing was done for two
days - May 27 & 28, 1973.
Membrane filter methods were employed for totaj. and fecal
coliforms. Techniques were in accordance with Standard
Methods, 13th Ed. and the more restrictive Region IX
methodology.
Samples collected for Salmonella enrichment were returned
to the mobile laboratory, where they were filtered through
diatomaceous earth and placed overnight in enrichment broth
at 35°C. Details of the procedure are spelled out in the
Region IX Salmonella methodology. The enrichments were
then packed securely, put on ice and air-transported to the
Alameda Laboratory.
In Alameda the enrichments were transferred to fresh enrich-
ment broth and put into incubators at three temperatures:
37°, 41.5°, 43°C. Plating and incubation proceeded from
this point as in the routine Salmonella procedure. Salmon-
ella isolates were confirmed by the typing center at the
State of California Department of Health, Berkeley, CA.
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TABLE 1
STATION NUMBERS AND DESCRIPTIONS
(Unless otherwise indicated all Stations
are on Arizona side of Colorado River)
1A Blue Water Marina, 15 feet north of biggest clump of bushes
at turnout.
IB Blue Water Marina opposite "No Parking within 15 Feet of
Pavement", upstream of restaurant.
1C Blue Water Marina opposite east/west fence on beach nearest
restaurent.
ID Blue Water Marina, lower end of bathing beach, by HUD, STP
sign.
2A Sports Valley upstream of restaurant, 10 feet above dock.
2B Sports Valley downstream, 50 feet below dock, 20 feet from
shore.
3 Moovalya Keys, 100 yds into lagoon effluent at first canal
junction.
4A Bransons (below), Arizona side, Rancho Del Rio Dock, 50 feet
offshore.
4B Opposite Bransons, California side, below Windmill Trailer
Park.
5 Ah-Villa Park, Arizona side, at downstream park fence.
6A Buckskin Mt. State Park, 200 feet upstream from discharge
pipe, opposite large tree on point of land.
6B Buckskin Mt. State Park, receiving water, at end of discharge
pipe.
6C Buckskin Mt . State Park, 100feet downstream from discharge
pipe, opposite eucalyptus tree.
7A Polynesian Shores, upstream, at USGS gage, 590 ft. cable mark.
7B Polynesian Shores below, 100 feet above power lines
8A Crazy Horse Campground, north inlet off beach (Lake Havasu).
8B Crazy Horse Campground, center beach by lifeguard warning sign
(Lake Havasu). /
9A Lake Havasu, Day use State Park, right of gazebo on left side
of diving raft.
9B Lake Havasu, Day use State Park, left edge of swimming area
near gazebo.
Source: Microbiology, EPA-Region IX, 8/73
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PARKED
OAIVI
CALIFORNIA
WINDMlUTflAiUR
OCSKJN MOUNTAIN
s. A, a, c
4Bo//bAH-VJLL/lCOUNTY PARKS
4-A
'ARIZONA
-o MOOVALYA KEVS 3 .
3PORTS VAUEV
MARINA IA,ftCD
FIGUR£l.
LOCATIONS, COLORADO RIVER
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LAKE
NATIONAL
CALIFORNIA
ARIZONA
LAKE
HAVASU
CRAZY HORSE
2. STATION LOCATIONS. COLORADO
LA KE HAVA5U .AREA - MAX 1
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COLORADO RIVER SURVEY
PARKER DAM - LAKE HAVASU AREA
5/25/73 - 5/29/73
STATION DESCRIPTION
1A Blue Water Marina 15 feet north of biggest clump of bushes at
turnout.
IB Blue Water Marina opposite "No parking within 15 feet of pave-
ment" upstream of restaurant.
1C Blue Water Marina opposite east/west fence on beach nearest
restaurant.
ID Blue Water Marina beach - by HUD STP sign, lower end downstream,
STATION DATE TOTAL COLIFORMS/lOOml FECAL COLIFORMS/lOOml
1A
IB
1C
1A
IB
1C
1A
« __
IB
1C
ID
1A
IB
1C
ID
1A
« _^
IB
1C
ID
5/25/73
ii
H
5/26/73
H
n
5/27/73
n
n
n
5/28/73
n
n
n
5/29/73
n
n
N
6,600
4,000
3,400
11,000
^8,000
8,300
22,000
13,000
15,000
18,000
42,000
27,000
22,000
6,700
27,000
>2,600
8,60*0
2,800
100
<130
<130
260
<130
<130
400*
260
130*
1000
540
190
<130
<130
210
<130
<130
<130
* Estimated value, observations not within statistically significant
range.
Table 2. Total and Fecal Coliform per 100 ml by Station.
Source: Microbiology, EPA-Region IX, 8/73
8
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COLORADO RIVER SURVEY
PARKER DAM - LAKE HAVASU AREA
5/25/73 - 5/29/73
STATION DESCRIPTION
2A Sports Valley above restaurant, 10 feet above dock.
2B Sports Valley 50 feet below restaurant dock, 20 feet out.
3 Moovalya Keys about 100 yards into lagoon effluent at first
canal junction.
STATION DATE
TOTAL COLIFORMS/lOOml FECAL COLIFORMS/100ml
2A
2B
2A
2B
2A
2B
2A
2B
2A
2B
3
3
3
3
3
5/25/73
it
5/26/73
ii
5/27/73
ii
5/28/73
ii
5/29/73
ii
5/25/73
5/26/73
5/27/73
5/28/73
5/29/73
13,000
7,600
>8,000
7,000
13,000
4,600
>8,000
2,300
2,600
1,000
8,000
5,300
5,800
4,000
1,600
<130
<130
<130
<130
<130
<130
<130
<130
<130
<130
<130
<130
<130
<130
Table 2 (Continued - 1)
Source: Microbiology, EPA-Region IX, 8/73
9
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4A
4B
5
COLORADO RIVER SURVEY
PARKER DAM - LAKE HAVASU AREA
5/25/73 - 5/29/73
STATION DESCRIPTION
Bransons on Arizona side below Bransons at Rancho Del Rio
Dock 50 feet offshore.
Bransons on California side below Windmill Trailer Park.
Ah-Villa Park on Arizona side at lower park fence.
STATION
DATE
TOTAL COLIFORMS/lOOml FECAL COLIFORMS/lOOml
4A
4B
4A
4B
4A
4B
4A
4B
4A
4B
5
5
5
5
5
5/25/73
5/25/73
5/26/73
5/26/73
5/27/73
5/27/73
5/28/73
5/28/73
5/29/73
5/29/73
5/25/73
5/26/73
5/27/73
5/28/73
5/29/73
6,600
6,600
> 8,000
5,300
7,600
2,700
5,800
6,000
9,300
7,000
8,800
12,600
11,000
7,300
1,200
<130
<130
<130
<130
<130
<130
<130
<130
<130
<130
<130
<130
<130
<220
<130
Table 2 (Continued - 2)
Source.: Microbiology, EPA-Region IX, 8/73
10
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COLORADO RIVER SURVEY
PARKER DAM - LAKE HAVASU AREA
5/25/73 - 5/29/73
STATION DESCRIPTION
6A Buckskin Mt. State Park 200 feet upstream from discharge
pipe opposite large tree on point.
6B Buckskin Mt. State Park at end of discharge pipe
6C Buckskin Mt. opposite eucalyptus downstream from pipe
(about 100 ft.)
STATION
6A
6B
6C
6A
6B
6C
6A
6B
6C
6A
6B
6C
6A
6B
6C
DATE
5/25/73
5/25/73
5/25/73
5/26/73
5/26/73
5/26/73
5/27/73
5/27/73
5/27/73
5/28/73
5/28/73
5/28/73
5/29/73
5/29/73
5/29/73
TOTAL COLIFORMS/lOOml
2,000
6,000
8,400
19,000
9,300
3,700
14,000
55,000
16,000
8,700
29,000
>6,700
16,000
21,000
>15,000
FECAL COLIFORMS/lOOml
< 130
230
< 130
< 130
<130
<130
< 130
1,500
<130
<130
660
180
210
190
560
Table 2 (Continued - 3)
Source: Microbiology, EPA-Region IX, 8/73
11
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COLORADO RIVER SURVEY
PARKER DAM - LAKE HAVASU AREA
5/25/73 - 5/29/73
STATION DESCRIPTION
7A Polynesian Shores above at USGS gage at 590 ft. mark cable.
7B Polynesian Shores,below, 100 feet above power lines.
STATION DATE TOTAL COLIFORMS/lOOml FECAL COLIFORMS/lOOml
7A
7B
7A
7B
7A
7B
7A
7B
7A
7B
5/25/73
5/25/73
5/26/73
5/26/73
5/27/73
5/27/73
5/28/73
5/28/73
5/29/73
5/29/73
4,400
* 4,000
6,600
6,200
5,400
>16,000 (confluent)
4,000
4,400
4,200
2,200
<130
<130
<130
<130
<130
<130
<130
<130
<130
<130
* Estimated value, observations not within statistically
significant range.
Table 2 (Continued - 4)
Source: Microbiology,EPA-Region IX, 8/73
12
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COLORADO RIVER SURVEY
PARKER DAM - LAKE HAVASU AREA
5/25/73 - 5/29/73
STATION DESCRIPTION
8A Crazy H°rse- North inlet off beach.
8B Crazy Horse - Center beach by lifeguard warning sign.
STATION DATE TOTAL COLIFORMS/lOOml FECAL COLIFORMg/100ml
8A 5/25/73 760 <130
8B 5/25/73 440 <130
8A 5/26/73 3,000 140
8B 5/26/73 2,500 <130
8A 5/27/73 2,200 270
8B 5/27/73 2,700 230
8A 5/28/73 1,600 <130
8B 5/28/73 460 <130
8A 5/29/73 >530 <130
8B 5/29/73 460 <130
Table 2 (Continued - 5)
Source: Microbiology,EPA-Region IX, 8/73
13
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COLORADO RIVER SURVEY
PARKER DAM - LAKE HAVASU AREA
5/25/73 - 5/25/73
STATION DESCRIPTION
9A Lake Havasu
9B Lake Havasu
Day use State Park
Right of gazebo on left side of diving raft.
Day use State Park
Lett edge of swimming area near gazebo.
STATION DATE
TOTAL COLIFORMS/lOOml FECAL COLIFORMS/lOOml
9A
9B
9A
9B
9A
9B
9A
9B
9A
9B
5/25/73
5/25/73
5/26/73
5/26/73
5/27/73
5/27/73
5/28/73
5/28/73
5/29/73
5/29/73
1,700
*1,200
2,900
2,400
3,300
5,900
2,400
2,600
700
1,700
<130
<130
<670
<130
<130
<130
<130
<130
<130
<130
* Estimated value, observations not within statistically significant
range.
Table 2 (Continued - 6)
Source: Microbiology,EPA-Region IX, 8/73
14
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RESULTS
Total and fecal coliform data are presented in Table 2,
pages 8-14. Arizona water quality standards state that
for primary contact recreation the following applies.
"The fecal coliform content of primary contact recreation
waters shall not exceed a geometric mean of 200/100 ml,
nor shall more than 10% of the total samples during any 30-
day period exceed 400/100 ml, as determined by multiple-
tube fermentation or membrane filter procedures, and based
on a minimum of not less than five samples taken over not
more than a 30-day period."
Table 3 shows those stations which exceeded the water quality
standards either by having a geometric mean greater than 200/
100 ml or by having more than 400/100 ml more frequently than
10% of the time. It may be noted that two stations in the
Blue Water Marina area (1A, ID) and two stations along the
Buckskin Mountain State Park beaches (6B, 6C) violate these
fecal coliform limits. Salmonellae (Arizona Group) were isolated
from Station 6B, near the discharge of sewage effluent from the
Buckskin Mountain treatment plant.
Table 4 shows use figures for various parks during the period
of the study. The Parker weekly newspaper, the Parker Pioneer
(May 31, 1973) estimated that about 30,000 to 40,000 people
visited the area during the Memorial Day weekend.
Figure 3 is a photograph of Blue Water Marina Beach. Figures 4
and 5 show the effluent pipe at Buckskin Mountain State Park.
Figures 6 and 7 show crowded conditions at Crazy Horse Beach.
Figures 8 shows a lavatory and percolation bed at Crazy Horse.
Figures 9 through 11 show ponding over this same percolation bed.
15
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Station
Number
1A
ID
6B*
6C
FECAL COLIFORM VALUES
Geometric Mean •
per 100 ml
260
<130
130
<100
Greater than 400/100 ml
Number Samples/5 total
1
1
2
1
Percent
20
20
40
20
*Salmonellae (Arizona Group) isolated
Table 3, Stations showing Violations of Fecal Coliform
Limits for Primary Contact Recreation Waters.
Source: Microbiology,EPA-Region IX, 8/73
16
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VISITATION FIGURES* BY DATE
LOCATION (#) 5/23 5/24 5/25 5/26 5/27 5/28 5/29
Ah-Villa (5) 500 1,000 1,500 2,000 4,000 4,000 2,000
Buckskin Mtn. (6) 186 372 585 780 778 397 114
Crazy Horse (8) 114 350 1,496 1,336 201 74 72
Public Beach (9) 124 80 132 880 1,088 684 68
(Day Use)
*Figures for Ah-Villa were supplied by Yuma County Parks Dept.
Figures for remainder were supplied by Arizona State Parks and
"reflect total park visitation from all user groups...[including]
overnight camping, boat launching only, and day use visitation ."
Table 4. Visitation Figures by Date and Location, Parker Strip
and Lake Havasu areas. May 23 - 29, 1973.
Source: Microbiology,EPA-Region IX, 8/73
17
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Figure 3
Blue Water Marina Beach
Parker Strip Colorado River, Arizona, May 27, 1973
18
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Figure 4
Buckskin Mountain State Park
Effluent Pipe and Swimmers, Colorado River,
Arizona, May 27, 1973
19
-------
Figure 5
Buckskin Mountain State Park
Effluent Pipe, May 30, 1973
20
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Figure 6
Crazy Horse Campground Beach
Lake Havasu, Arizona, May 21, 1973
21
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Figure 7
Crazy Horse Campground Beach,
Lake Havasu, Arizona, May 27, 1973
22
-------
Figure 8
Lavatory and Percolation Bed, Crazy Horse
Campground, Lake Havasu, Arizona, May 27, 1973
23
-------
Figure 9
Crazy Horse Campground, Ponding on Percolation
Bed, Lake Havasu in Background, Arizona,
May 27, 1973
24
-------
Figure 10
Crazy Horse Campground, Close-up of Ponding
(Figure 9) on Percolation Bed, May 27, 1973
25
-------
^L»»t - "tvlj
Figure 11
Crazy Horse Campground
Close-up of Ponding (Figure 9) on Percolation Bed
May 21, 1973
26
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DISCUSSION
Although the entire reach of the Colorado River along the
Parker Strip and Lake Havasu seemed to be heavily con-
gested with people visiting over the Memorial Day Weekend,
bacteriological results and photographic evidence showed
contamination localized in three main areas: Blue Water
Marina; Buckskin Mountain State Park; and Crazy Horse Camp-
ground (Lake Havasu). It is true that the bacteriological
counts taken along Crazy Horse beaches were within the
limits set by water quality standards; however ponding of
sewage over the leach fields, which are neither posted nor
fenced, constitutes an immediate public health hazard.
As may be observed from the field notes in Appendix 1, the
River noticeably fluctuates in depth in the Buckskin Moun-
tain State Park beach area. This variation is extreme
enough to cause complete exposure of the effluent pipe from
the treatment plant. Since the area is entirely accessible
both from the beach and from the water and since the identi-
ty of the pipe and its contents is not posted, an unwary
bather could be directly exposed to sewage and not know of
it. That the danger exists is most graphically evidenced
by recovery of disease-causing Salmonella organisms from
Station 6B - receiving water opposite the effluent pipe.
The adequacy of a 10,000-gallon treatment plant in an area
which was used by 780 people (Table 4, Buckskin Mountain,
5/26 and 5/27) is also questionable. The data clearly sug-
gest that the treatment plant was overloaded during this
holiday weekend. Since the number of people using the
facility can be limited and since the effluent can be
chlorinated, mechanisms do exist for alleviating the prob-
lem without going to the expense of enlarging the treat-
ment plant.
Whatever the method chosen it is important to monitor the
effluent especially since there was a chlorine residual of
0.5 measured on 5/28, the day the disease-causing organ-
isms were recovered. One wonders where the residual was
measured and what the length of contact time was before
the effluent entered the River.
In the Blue Water Marina area there seem to be two distinct
problems: (1) contamination above the beach and restaurant
area; (2) contamination directly downstream of the beach.
These may be investigated and/or solved in several ways.
27
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Identification of the source of the upstream contamination
cannot be made from this current survey. An on-site evalu-
ation should be done to determine whether this was a chance
occurrence (perhaps due to campers' use of the River or
beach as a lavatory) or whether there is a continuing source
of contamination (perhaps from an overloaded septic tank
percolation field).
The downstream contamination seems directly linked to the
crowded beach observed to be at the highest level on May 27
(see field notes in Appendix 1). The downstream station
was in violation on May 27, but not on other days during
the surveys. This problem would probably be alleviated by
either limiting the number of people admitted to the beach
or by providing additional sanitary facilities sufficient
to serve the number of individuals using the area.
28
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APPENDIX 1 Field Notes
May 25, 1973
0945: Buckskin - Station 6
Approximately 60 people bathing
Ranger says over 500 people may be admitted to
"overflow area"
Ranger Dave Peterson will get me head counts daily,
starting tomorrow including today's count
1100: Blue Water Marina
1A - no one in vicinity
IB - no one in vicinity
1C - approximately 100 people within sight of this
station
cabanas appeared 3/4 full
1515: Day Use Area - Station 9
10 people bathing
25 on beach
May 26, 1973
0800: Buckskin State Park
300 as of 5/25
592 as of 5/26
expecting maximum of 650 on 5/27
Ranger Duane Hinshaw, supervisor
Count: 5/26
142 autos, trucks
6 motorcycles
x 4 average per vehicle
592 people
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APPENDIX 1
May 26, 1973
0950: 8A [Crazy Horse]
40 people and 5 dogs in water
1000: 8B
30 in water
Beach literally bumper to bumper with cars, trucks,
trailers, boats. Lines at bathrooms
1015: 9A,B [Day Use - State Park Beach]
100 in water; 200 on beach
Seems there was some overnight use here- reports by
two witnesses, unconfirmed
1310: 1A (Blue Water Marina)
New signs have been erected, reading "Colorado River
Indian Reservation. No Trespassing" No people in
area
1315: IB
About 80 people in vicinity - no one in water
1C
35 in water - very crowded immediately downstream in
main beach area.
1345: Buckskin Mountain
6A 30 in water
6B 0 in water
6C 5 in water
About 150 in water in bathing area
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APPENDIX 1
May 27, 1973
0930: Buckskin Mountain
Ranger reports about 600 in here today.
Two people in water at outfall. Got a picture of it
(6B) 10 at 6A; 5 at 6C.
Water 1 ft. higher two hours later.
1050: Blue Water Marina
1A 0 in water.
IB 8 in water; lots of camping.
1C 60 - 200 in water in vicinity - very packed.
ID Station is at downstream boundary fence below
Blue Water Marina Park. The entrance road is
at HUD Sewage Treatment sign.
No one in water here.
1445: Crazy Horse 8A, B
150 - 200 in water in vicinity; very crowded on beach.
Observed one overflowing leachfield and took pictures.
Another was damp at the surface.
Witnesses said the lavatories were locked after dinner
5/26, and some were just being opened now.
Day Use Beach, 9A, B
100 in water
Toilets OK
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APPENDIX 1
May 28, 1973
0930: Buckskin Mountain, 6A, B, C
No one in water at sample points
6B Water level 1 ft. below effluent pipe - effluent
appeared slightly foamy [Salmonella isolated from
this sample]
Ranger estimates maximum of 650 yesterday.
250-300 here this AM
Will try to give me their effluent analysis
results from this weekend tomorrow AM
1050: Blue Water Marina
1A No one in water
IB No one in water - 6 skydivers landed offshore
1C 10 in water - Park appears 1/2 full
1105: ID
No one in water
Crazy Horse
8A Little crowd - no one in water
8B 5 in water
Leachfield damp but not surfacing in a puddle as yesterday
Day Use Beach, 9A, B
100 - 150 in water
1-iv
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APPENDIX 1
May 29, 1973
Buckskin Mountain
6a, B No one in water. Two dead carp near effluent
pipe (6B) D.O. was 1.0 for last 5 days.
Measured in the aeration tank.
DAY S.S.* CHLORINE RESID. REMARKS
Thursday (5/24} 4.5 1.0
Friday 5.0 1.0
Saturday 4.0 0.6
Sunday 4.0 0.5
Monday 6.0 0.5 Dirty effluent
Tuesday 5.5 0.8
*S.S.=s Settleable solids, after 1/2 hour settling, morning
readings.
Ranger Rourk
Maximum number Sunday and Monday 650, excluding possibly
100 who came in by boat. May be as high as 750 Sunday and
Monday.
Their treatment plant was the most overloaded ever this
weekend.
Less than 100 people here this AM.
Blue Water Marina
1A,B,C,D No one in water.
Crazy Horse
8A,B 5 in water. Leachfield OK
Day Use Beach
9A,B 20 in water.
1-v
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APPENDIX 2 Field Notes - Boat Crew
Station 5 - Ah-Villa
Ranger estimates 6,000 - 7,000 people over the weekend.
On 5/26 and 27 - approximately 200 - 250 people observed
in water.
On 5/28, 100 - 150.
Station 4A, B
Between Ah-Villa and this station approximately 40
people observed each day 5/26 - 28.
Station 7 [Polynesian Shores]
Numerous complaints from local people on water quality
in their area.
2-i
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