Strong River

No additional photos for this visit. Lost my cell phone at Merit Falls earlier today.

Red Advisory

Red Advisory

Red BAV Advisory-High levels of e coli were present. Water gage was 23 ft, which is 2 ft below flood level. Both D'lo and Merit Water Parks were closed to the public.

Two samples were collected, not three. Short of supplies. Average e coli at site was 150 per sample. Green advisory.

RED ADVISORY Test results indicate the level of e coli (533 per 100 ml) found in the Strong River at D'Lo Water Park exceeds the level required for safe recreational swimming, i.e., Beach Action Value (BAV). Some possible sources of fecal contamination include; agricultural runoff, wildlife that use the water as their natural habitat, runoff from areas contaminated with pet manure, wastewater treatment plants, and on-site septic systems. Heavy precipitation may cause these organisms to be washed into creeks, rivers, streams, lakes, or ground water. Consumption of or contact with water contaminated with feces of warm-blooded animals can cause a variety of illnesses.

The was the first test during the offseason. Red Advisory using the Beach Action Value scale. Two water samples were tested.

BAV=Green Water levels today were 2.88 ft, which is very low. D'Lo record lows were (1) 2.20 ft on 09/01/1954 and (2) 2.45 ft on 07/24/1965. Weather today was hot and dry.

The higher the concentration of e coli, the higher the risk of humans getting sick from recreating in the river. The federal standard for E. coli is 235 colony forming units per 100mL. For a designated swimming area, e coli concentrations shouldn’t exceed this amount. The higher the level goes from here, the more swimming should be limited. At 235 cfu/100mL the EPA estimates approximately 36 in 1,000 people will contract an illness from contact with the water. Young people and people with compromised immune systems are more likely to become sick. When we say sick, we’re talking about “swimmer’s ear,” upset stomach, diarrhea, but also very serious illnesses from Salmonella, Shigella, Giardia and the like which can be transported in water.

RED ADVISORY Test results indicate the level of e coli found in the Strong River (at D'Lo Water Park ) exceeded the levels required for safe recreational swimming, i.e., Beach Action Value (BAV). Some possible sources of fecal contamination include; agricultural runoff, wildlife that use the water as their natural habitat, runoff from areas contaminated with pet manure, wastewater treatment plants, and on-site septic systems. Heavy precipitation may cause these organisms to be washed into creeks, rivers, streams, lakes, or ground water. Consumption of or contact with water contaminated with feces of warm-blooded animals can cause a variety of illnesses.