ABOUT THE PROGRAM

Escherichia coli , commonly called E. coli, is one of the most common species of coliform bacteria.  It is a normal component of the large intestines in humans and other warm-blooded animals.  It is found in human sewage in high numbers.  If sewage is present in water, pathogenic or disease-causing organisms may also be present. E. coli is used to indicate, on a statistical basis, the likelihood of contracting a disease by consuming or recreating in such waters.

Our E. coli monitoring project is part of a nationwide volunteer bacteria monitoring in streams: http://www.usawaterquality.org/volunteer/Ecoli/

Buffalo River