Local Waterways Impaired by E. Coli
The Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality has known for several years that Jackson’s Fish Creek and Flat Creek have, at times, contained more Escherichia coli (E. coli) than is considered safe for swimming and other primary contact recreation.
Teton County Conservation District’s 2003 study on Fish Creek approximated that 6% of the E. coli found was from human waste. The only human waste sources are septic systems leaking into the groundwater or the wastewater treatment plants.
What is E. Coli?
E. coli are bacteria found in the environment, foods, and intestines of people and animals. Although most strains of E. coli are harmless, others can make you sick.
Knowing where E. coli comes from can help reduce levels in our drinking water, rivers, and streams. Some sources of fecal contamination include wildlife, pet waste, septic systems, wastewater treatment plants, and livestock manure.
E. coli from wildlife is something we can’t control. Focusing on the sources we can control – such as pet and human waste – will help return drinking and recreational waters to acceptable levels. POWJH is involved in efforts that address these sources.
