What we test for…
The Lawrence County Health Department is monitoring several streams within the county for the presence of Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria. The organisms are found in the fecal waste of humans and animals. E. coli is the most reliable indicator of fecal bacterial contamination of surface waters in the U.S. according to water quality standards set by the EPA. When we find high levels of E. coli in the water this indicates there is fecal matter in the water. The EPA recommended recreational water quality standard for E. coli is 235-organisms/100 ml for any single water sample (EPA 1986). The sources of water contamination are difficult to track to the point source.
Why we test
Human and animal fecal waste can contain disease-causing organisms. Swimming in water contaminated with fecal waste can expose the swimmer to illness. Children, pregnant women, and people with compromised immune systems (such as those living with AIDS, those who have received an organ transplant, or those receiving certain types of chemotherapy) can suffer from more severe illness if infected. When test indicate a stream has E. coli levels of 235 organisms/100ml or higher, an advisory is issued and swimming in those contaminated areas is NOT recommended. An advisory will not be removed until bacterial levels at the sampling location again meet bacteriological water quality criteria.
When we test
The Lawrence County Health Department monitors streams in the county monthly, during the swimming season (April through October).
Stream Test Results
Click on a link below to view monthly reports.