Merit Water Park : Rials Creek

Today's test results show an extremely high level of e coli, i.e. 5333 per 100 ml. In comparison, concentration levels below 200 are considered relatively safe for human contact. 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.