What is E. coli?

Escherichia coli or E.coli are facultative anaerobic, gram-negative, non-spore-forming, rod shaped bacteria that are a member of the large bacteria family, Enterobacteriaceae, the enteric bacteria. This means E. coli are thin walled bacteria that do not require oxygen for growth, but will grow better if oxygen is present.

Where does E. coli come from?

E.coli lives in the intestines of humans and other warm-blooded animals such as dogs, cats, ducks, seagulls, and geese and is thus excreted in fecal material.

Why do we test for E. coli in recreational waters?

E. coli is an indicator organism used to determine the quality of recreational waters. The presence of E.coli indicates that the water may have been contaminated at the time of sampling by sewage and therefore may contain harmful pathogens, disease causing organisms. Since these organisms are present, other harmful bacteria and viruses may also be present.

What are the health risks associated with high levels of E. coli in recreational waters?

Viruses are believed to be the major cause of swimming-associated diseases including: gastroenteritis, hepatitis, respiratory illness, and ear, nose, and throat problems. Swimmers contract gastroenteritis from bacteria in the water. It occurs in a variety of forms that can cause symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, stomach ache, nausea, headache, and fever. Pinkeye and skin rashes are contracted from other microbial pathogens such as amoebas and protozoans. When the results from a water test exceed 235 colonies of E. coli per 100 milliliters of sample there is an increased risk for swimmers to contract these swimming-associated diseases.

How do recreational waters become contaminated with E. coli?

Lakes can become contaminated in several ways including: bodily fluids excreted by swimmers, sewer line breaks, sewage spills and overflows, malfunctioning septic systems, animal feces, flooding, runoff from urban, suburban and rural areas, and improperly disposed pet waste and dirty diapers.

What is the maximum contaminant level of E. coli for recreational waters?

According to IAC (Indiana Administrative Code) 327, the maximum contaminant level for full body contact in recreational waters shall not exceed 235 colonies of E. coli per 100 milliliters in any 1 sample in a 30 day period nor 125 colonies of E. coli per 100 milliliters of sample as a geometric mean based on not less than five 5 samples equally spaced over a 30 day period. The LaPorte County Health Department uses the 235cfu/100mL (colony forming units per 100 milliliters), as its standard for beach closures.

When is the swimming area considered closed?

When E.coli levels are above the maximum contaminant level of 235 cfu/100mL (colony forming units per 100 milliliters), the beach is closed.

What can you do to help lower the E. coli levels in Lake Michigan?

To help lower the E. coli levels in recreational water, you can:

• Take your children to the bathroom often and check diapers constantly
• Dispose of animal waste and diapers in plastic bags and throw them in a garbage can
• Do not feed the seagulls or other animals so they are not attracted to the beach
• Dispose of boat sewage in onshore sanitary facilities
• Reduce your water use during heavy rainfall so as to not overload sewage treatment plants
• Keep your septic system properly maintained

What if I swim/wade when E. coli levels are high?

If you choose to ignore a beach closure, make sure you try not to swallow any of the water while swimming, and bathe with hot soapy water following the encounter.

How can I decrease the likelihood of becoming sick from swimming at the beach?

The following steps can be taken to decrease the likelihood of becoming ill from a day at the beach:

• Don’t swallow the water
• Avoid swimming after heavy rainfall until acceptable levels are posted
• Bathe with hot soapy water following any contact with water and/or sand
• Avoid swimming with open wounds
• Check to see if the beach is monitored for E. Coli
• Obey closures or advisories when posted at the beach