Response Agency Resources & Signage: Waterborne Pathogens

Resources

• DWQ E.coli Sample Collection & Analysis Standard Operating Procedure (SOP)
  The sample collection protocol for all personnel collecting E. coli water quality samples, including DWQ staff, cooperating agencies, and volunteer monitors, in Utah’s lakes, rivers, and streams.
• DWQ Health Advisory Decision Diagram
  DWQ developed this decision diagram to help local health departments (LHDs) determine if a health advisory is warranted for a waterbody due to the exceedance of the 409 Most Probable Number (MPN)/per 100 milliliter (mL) maximum value for E. coli. DWQ adopted Beach Advisory Protocol for Recreational Waters based on ambient water-quality criteria recommended by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and codified in the Utah Water Quality Standards to protect human health and safety.
• 2012 Recreational Water Criteria Document (EPA)
  EPA issued Recreational Water Quality Criteria (RWQC) recommendations in 2012 to protect human health in coastal and noncoastal waters designated for primary-contact recreation use. These recommendations serve as guidance to states, territories, and authorized tribes when developing water-quality standards to protect swimmers from exposure to water with fecal contamination.

   

  EPA based its recommended criteria on the levels of indicator organisms in the water and their observed relationships to gastrointestinal illnesses from primary-contact recreation, including swimming, bathing, surfing, water skiing, tubing, water play by children, and similar water-contact activities where a high degree of bodily contact with the water, immersion, or ingestion is likely. EPA recommended the use of either E. coli and Enterococci as indicator organisms for freshwater systems.