/ — \ te I E. coliand enterococci X*> E. coli and enterococci levels are used as indicators of the presence of fecal material in drinking and recreational waters. Both indicate the possible presence of disease-causing bacteria, viruses, and protozoans. Such pathogens may pose health risks to people fishing and swimming in a water body. Sources of bacteria include improperly functioning wastewater treatment plants, leaking septic systems, storm water runoff, animal carcasses, and runoff from animal manure and manure storage areas. Cattle at Tide River Indian Reservation Understanding the Impact of E. coli and enterococci: The presence of pathogens in a waterway can cause cloudy water, unpleasant odors, and decreased levels of dissolved oxygen. Enterococci levels should be measured in marine and fresh waters while E. coli should only be measured in fresh waters. Acceptable levels of E. colt are measured in cfu (colony forming units) and commonly include both a 30 day mean (126 cfu/lOOmL) and a single sample number (235 clu/lOOml . - 575 cfu/lOOinL). Suitable levels for enterococci in marine waters are 35 cfu/lOOmL for a 30 day mean and 104 - 501 cfu/lOOmL for a single sample, while levels in fresh water should be less than 33 cfu/lOOmL for a 30 day mean and 61 - 151 cfu/100 mL as a single sample reading. Be sure to compare your results with tribal, state, or federal standards when measuring for either enterococci or E. coli. Monitoring Equipment: wt mime »• >/ « ii. E. colt and enterococci levels can be measured using simple kits readily available on the market (ex. Colalert testing kit) and an incubator. Samples can also be collected and sent to a laboratory for analysis. EPA's Microbiology website fhttp ://w w w. epa. gov/ nerlcwww/) provides EPA approved standard methods and examples of test kit use. Major national vendors also have websites that can be reviewed as well. Stream used as the only drinking source for Cattle For more information, please contact your CWA Project Officer or Kristin Gullatt, Manager of the Water Division, Tribal Office (415) 972-3432. ------- |