8-16 E. coli Results

[Ryan O'Donnell]

The fifth monitoring day for the Deerfield River Watershed Association was Wednesday, August 16th. I've attached the results in pdf and png format for you to forward, share online, or print and post.

Volunteers collected samples throughout the Deerfield River watershed and its tributaries that were tested for E. coli bacteria. E. coli is a bacteria found in the guts of all warm- blooded animals, including humans and is used as an indicator to test water for fecal contamination. The EPA recommends against primary contact (fully immersing in the water, i.e. swimming) when there are more than 235 organisms/100 mL water. Bacteria levels are often elevated after heavy rains due to bacteria being carried into nearby rivers by runoff. Because of this, we note whether results are from wet or dry weather sampling events.

There was significant rainfall in the watershed prior to sampling and many of the results reflect this in higher bacteria numbers. 

Please use these and historic sampling results to help make informed decisions about when and where to recreate more safely. You can also reduce the risk of waterborne illness by avoiding getting water in your mouth, cover any open wounds, and washing hands before eating and drinking after recreating in natural waters.

See these results and more from throughout the Connecticut River watershed at www.ctriver.org/isitclean

Thank you for your interest and support in clean water in the Deerfield watershed!

Ryan O'Donnell

 

He/Him

Water Quality Program Manager

Connecticut River Conservancy

15 Bank Row | Greenfield, MA 01301 

(413) 834-9939 | rodo...@ctriver.org 

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