Infection due to pathogen-contaminated recreational waters- gastrointestinal, respirator, eye, ear, nose, throat, and skin diseases. In 1968 the Federal Water Pollution Control Administration established WQ criteria of 200 colony-forming units per 100 ml of water. In 1986 EPA re-established the WQ criteria to be lower at 126 and that is based on specific levels of risk of acute gastrointestinal illness. (Risk level no more than 8 illnesses per 1000 swimmers for fresh water).
The E. coli numeric water quality standard for 1C (drinking water) and 2B (secondary recreation) is 206 CFUs or MPNs per 100ml representing as a 30d geometric mean and the chronic or instantaneous standard is not to exceed 668. For primary recreation designated use, the 30d geometric mean is 126 and instantaneous is not to exceed 409. There are no numeric standards for agriculture and wildlife designated use waters. CFU= colony forming unit and is analogous with MPN (most probable number).
Utah’s bacteriological program includes sampling surface waters for fecal contamination using E. coli bacteria as an indicator. E. coli don’t live long in water (outside intestines, less than 48hrs depending on resources) that is why their presence in water means recent fecal contamination. E. coli (type of fecal coliform) indicates fecal contamination since they are one of the most abundant types of intestinal microflora. The main reason we sample for E. coli is because they are easy to detect, they are not present in “clean” water, & the die off slower that other pathogens meaning they are a conservative estimate of the presence of pathogens in the water. E. coli as an indicator came about why EPA looking at the relationship between swimming related illnesses and microbiological quality of the water. E. coli showed a stronger correlation in fresh waters and streptococci in marine waters. Tier 1 is the pilot study period. During Tier 1 monitoring, samples will be collected at high-use reservoirs/lakes and also 2A streams/rivers that are apart of the State’s routine water quality collection runs. Where possible, designated beaches/swimming areas for each lake/reservoir will be sampled. Tier 2 occurs after the pilot study period and will focus efforts on sampling the hot spots. Sampling period coincides with the recreational period April through September. After the 2 years, we will develop a long-term monitoring and assessment strategy.
The acute water body standard serves a trigger point for follow up sampling- 4 more samples taken within 30 days. If that geometric mean is greater than the acute WQ std, it will be listed on the 303d list for failing to meet its designated use due to E coli impairments. This list is updated very 2 years. After a waterbody gets listed, a thorough investigation will be conducted (TMDL) to determine sources and implementations needed for reduction in loading.
During Tier 1 monitoring, samples will be collected at high-use reservoirs/lakes and also 2A streams/rivers that are apart of the State’s routine water quality collection runs. Where possible, designated beaches/swimming areas for each lake/reservoir will be sampled. Tier 2 occurs after the pilot study period and will focus efforts on sampling the hot spots. We already have several agencies, Universities, and citizens collecting E coli data for us. We provide assistance in funding, training, and guidance and they assist in collecting the samples. (DOC training yearly)
These state parks are targeted because they have designated swimming areas and are considered high use for recreation. The ones highlighted already being sampled either by DWQ or cooperators. Hyrum, Starvation, and Steinaker are being sampled by the park rangers. Other lakes and reservoirs that are not state parks are also targeted for the same reasons like Strawberry Reservoir and Joe’s Valley. Streams and rivers will also be sampled and will follow the rotating basin schedule.
If a sampling location has an E coli concentration greater than 126, that site will be sampled again (3 spatially distributed replicates). Glenn Cyn has 2 different protocols in place for high-use sites and random sites. If the arithmetic mean from the resampling is greater than 126, the swimming advisory signs are immediately removed. Swimming areas area closed if the arithmetic mean is greater than 126 MPN and issued by Superintendent. Signs are posted and visitors are given Beach Closure handouts. The beach will be resampled daily. Reopening of a swimming area will occur once the most recent 2-5 day geometric means are less than 126. A minimum of 5 samples are required to open beach.
Wyoming WQS = have 2 standards based on the 30 day geometric mean. One for the high use recreational season and the other is for infrequent use. WY also set a single maximum standard and this is based on the frequency of public use.