
Officials are struggling to explain periodic high levels of E. coli in Fountain Creek, according to the Pueblo Chieftain. From the article, "Testing the water for bacteria in Fountain Creek provides a snapshot in time of conditions along the river, and there are still unexplained spikes in the data, local health department officials say.
"That's all the more reason for continuing to monitor the creek and try to understand when periodically high rates of contamination are coming from, they add...
"The health department is measuring E. coli, a species of bacteria found in all animals and not necessarily harmful or deadly. E. coli, when found in water, indicates fecal pollution.
"Generally, when flows in Fountain Creek are higher, the levels of E. coli go up, above the standard of 126 colonies per 100 milliliters. The standard is set by the Environmental Protection Agency for recreational waters where people would be expected to come in contact with the water, said Ken Williams, environmental health specialist..
"While counts are elevated at times, the average count is calculated as a 'geometric mean' and remains below the standard, Williams said. Upper reaches of Fountain Creek have been listed as impaired for E. coli - meaning counts are above standards - by the Colorado Water Quality Control Commission.
"E. coli counts remained high through September on the Fountain, dropping off during the fall and winter months. Counts on the Arkansas River were usually lower than the Fountain in summer, and about the same in late fall and winter.
Category: Colorado Water
7:56:18 AM
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