Water Testing
E.coli Found in the SFFR
Marty Kascewicz and Dick Bogdanovic, working through the Price County Health Department and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR), collected samples from various sites in the main channel of the South Fork Flambeau River in 2006. What began as routine water testing ended with the surprising detection of high levels of E. coli bacteria. While most strains of E. coli (Escherichia coli) are not harmful, some cause major illness. Because they are able to survive for brief periods outside the body, they are an ideal indicator organism to test environmental samples for fecal contamination. The contamination in the South Fork Flambeau River was traced to illegal septic pumping activities at homes along the river. Enforcement actions were taken, and the problems with the known sites have since been remedied.
Marty was joined by Kathy Kascewicz for another round of testing for E. coli in 2007. Marty and Kathy sampled six different river sites on seven occasions, and the County Health Department tested two other sites. The results from the Wisconsin State Lab of Hygiene indicated that, while E. coli fwas present, levels were lower than those that would trigger a warning to be posted. Based on the 2007 results, the County Health Department and WDNR determined that testing for E. coli in 2008 would be done on an “as-needed” basis. Citizens observing odors of sewage, algae blooms, leaky septic systems, a pipe opening to the river, or the dumping of septic waste in or near the river are encouraged to contact the Price County Health Department at 339-3125.
