What is E coli?
Escherichia coli is commonly abbreviated to E.coli. This particular bacteria is only found in the intestines of humans and animals. E coli is tested in pond and lake water as an indicator of fecal contamination. This helps to assess the safety of the water for recreational use.
Where does escherichia coli come from in a pond or lake?
E. coli can enter a water body through several pathways, including:
1. Sewage Runoff: Improperly treated sewage can introduce E. coli into nearby water bodies.
2. Agricultural Runoff: Fertilizers and animal waste from agricultural fields can wash into streams and ponds during rain events.
3. Wildlife: Waterfowl and other animals can contribute to E. coli levels through their feces.
4. Pet Waste: Accumulation of dog feces near water bodies can lead to contamination.
5. Stormwater: Rain can carry contaminants from urban areas into water bodies, increasing E. coli levels.
How long does escherichia coli last in water?
E. coli has the ability to live in lake water for weeks, influenced by factors like water temperature, nutrient availability, and environmental conditions. Typically, cooler temperatures extend its survival duration. In certain instances, it can remain in unfiltered lake water for a month or longer; however, its numbers will decrease over time many factors.
E. coli health risks for swimmers:
E. coli can significantly affect swimmers by posing health risks. When swimmers come into contact with contaminated water, they may ingest or absorb the bacteria through cuts or mucous membranes. This can lead to gastrointestinal illnesses, including diarrhea, stomach cramps, and vomiting. In some cases, E coli infections can cause more severe complications, particularly in vulnerable populations such as children, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems.
What is considered safe e.coli levels for pond or lake water used for swimming and recreation?
The EPA has set a standard level for E coli in freshwater at 126 CFU/100mL. If sampling is being sent to a laboratory, ensure they are testing e.coli and not only total coliform. Total coliform is a wider group of bacteria that e.coli is apart of. Total coliform includes bacteria that are found in soil and vegetation. E coli is considered the best species of bacteria to measure fecal contamination in water.
What should you do if you think you have e.coli in your water?
If you suspect your water to contain escherichia coli, have your water tested. This is a quick and inexpensive test that can be completed at home. For more detailed analysis reach out to your local drinking water testing facility. When in doubt stay out! It is the best way to remain healthy and safe. Once your testing results are in, and its all clear, you are good to return to the water!
What can be done to prevent escherichia coli in a pond or lake?
1. Proper Waste Management: Ensure that sewage systems are functioning correctly and that there is no leakage. Regular maintenance and upgrades can help prevent contamination.
2. Buffer Zones: Establish vegetative buffer zones around water bodies to filter runoff before it enters the water. Plants can absorb nutrients and contaminants.
3. Limit Animal Access: Restrict livestock and pets from accessing water bodies to reduce fecal contamination. Fencing can be an effective solution.
4. Regular Testing: Conduct regular water quality testing to monitor E coli levels. This can help identify contamination sources early.
5. Public Awareness: Educate the community about the importance of proper waste disposal and the impact of pollution on water quality.
6. Sustainable Agricultural Practices: Encourage farmers to adopt practices that minimize runoff, such as crop rotation and cover cropping.
Incorporating these strategies can significantly reduce the risk of E coli contamination in ponds and lakes, ensuring safer water for recreational and ecological purposes.
How to reduce e.coli in a lake or pond
- Aeration & circulation
- Improved Water Clarity
- Muck Reduction
Reduce sources of ecoli if possible.
The goal with aeration, improved clarity, and muck reduction is to remove the ideal habitat for escherichia coli to thrive. The better the water quality and circulation, the shorter the lifespan of the e coli.
Bottom aeration pushes large volumes of water from the bottom of the pond or lake up to the surface. By circulating this water and getting it exposed to UV light, this breaks down ecoli. Bottom aeration also improves overall dissolved oxygen. When there is adequate dissolved oxygen, good bacteria can thrive and outcompete bad bacteria like ecoli. This plays a factor in the break down on muck as well.
Naturally oxygen levels are lowest at the bottom of the pond/lake. When bottom aeration is introduced, then bacteria treatments like Muck Remover perform best to consume organic waste. One scientific study showed the difference in survival rates of e coli in soil versus muck and then with and without aeration. The e coli lived the longest in the environment rich in muck and lacking oxygen. Targeting the removal of muck, combined with improved dissolved oxygen significantly decreases survival length of time.
Water clarity can be achieved with Pond Cleanse bacteria to target ammonia and nitrate in water, and Phosphate Eliminator or Metafloc to target phosphorus suspended in water. By improving water clarity, sunlight can penetrate further into the water column to attack the ecoli.