Escherichia coli and enterococci at beaches in Grand Traverse Bay, MI: relation to environmental and hydrologic factors

RTS# MI-0107

Abstract

Historically, no monitoring of recreational water quality indicator bacteria (Escherichia coli or enterococci) had been conducted at beaches near Traverse City, Michigan. At the request of the Grand Traverse County Health Department, we adapted an ongoing study of the effects of land use on recreational water quality in the Grand Traverse Bay Watershed to include sampling of selected public beaches from April to August 2000. Sampling and analysis protocols emulated those recommended by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA/821/R-97/004, 2000; Brenner, K, pers. comm.). Numbers of E. coli and enterococci were determined for lake water (various depths, several locations at the same beach), river water, ground water, storm drains, and sediments under varying hydrologic and environmental conditions. Numbers of E. coli and enterococci were also determined for various source materials, including seagull, pigeon, duck, goose and dog feces and detritus. E. coli numbers occasionally exceeded recreational water quality standards. Enterococci numbers (mEI medium) exceeded 100 per 100 ml at several beaches on multiple dates. Enterococci from various source materials, beach water and sediments were identified to species and their antibiotic resistance patterns were determined, to elucidate relations between these sources and recreational waters. The information provided can be used by resource managers, scientists and regulatory agencies to refine monitoring protocols for other Great Lakes beaches, and to evaluate the source and significance of indicator bacteria at beaches such as these that do not typically receive inputs from e.g., combined sewer overflows or human wastewater streams.

Publication
Haack, Sheridan K., Joel R. Underwood, , and Lisa A. Reynolds, 2001. Escherichia coli and enterococci at beaches in Grand Traverse Bay, MI: relation to environmental and hydrologic factors., Great Lakes Beach Conference, Chicago, IL, Feb 5-8, 2001. RTS# MI-0107

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