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te I E. coliand enterococci
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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:

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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.

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