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FOSR’s Summer E. coli Test Results for Tuesday, June 28, 2022

Please follow this link to the E. coli results from sampling on Tuesday, June 28, 2022.
As a reference point, the FOSR uses the Virginia water-quality standard prior to October 2019 which was a single sample threshold of 235 E. coli colony-forming units per 100 mL of water sample for primary recreational use. Meaning that if a single freshwater grab sample had E. coli levels that exceed 235 CFU per 100mL of water sample then the water was considered unsafe for primary recreational use.
The FOSR is providing these data for you to make an informed decision regarding recreation in the Shenandoah River watershed based on the sites tested.
Photo of Emma Lankford, FOSR’s summer intern, is demonstrating her water quality monitoring skills.

FSSP NF Shenandoah River E. coli levels on Wednesday June 22 versus Thursday Jun 23

FSSP North Fork Shenandoah River at Strasburg Park public boat landing in Shenandoah County VA. E. coli levels on Wednesday June 22 versus Thursday June 23.

On Wednesday June 22, 2022, some areas in the region experienced rainstorms where 1-2 inches of rain fell. We were able to collect water samples at sites on Wednesday before the storm. We went out again on Thursday, June 23, 2022, after the storm to collect water samples at some of the sites that we did the previous day to illustrate the effect the rain had on E. coli levels.

As reference, the FOSR uses the Virginia water-quality standard prior to October 2019 which was a single sample threshold of 235 E. coli colony-forming units per 100 mL of water sample for primary recreational use. Meaning that if a single freshwater grab sample had E. coli levels that exceed 235 CFU per 100mL of water sample then the water was considered unsafe for primary recreational use.

FW36 Manassas Run E. coli levels on Wednesday June 22 versus Thursday Jun 23

FW36 Manassas Run, upstream of the confluence with the Shenandoah River at Morgan’s Ford public boat landing in Warren County VA. E. coli levels on Wednesday June 22 versus Thursday June 23

On Wednesday June 22, 2022, some areas in the region experienced rainstorms where 1-2 inches of rain fell. We were able to collect water samples at sites on Wednesday before the storm. We went out again on Thursday, June 23, 2022, after the storm to collect water samples at some of the sites that we did the previous day to illustrate the effect the rain had on E. coli levels.

As reference, the FOSR uses the Virginia water-quality standard prior to October 2019 which was a single sample threshold of 235 E. coli colony-forming units per 100 mL of water sample for primary recreational use. Meaning that if a single freshwater grab sample had E. coli levels that exceed 235 CFU per 100mL of water sample then the water was considered unsafe for primary recreational use.

FW35 Shenandoah River E. coli levels on Wednesday June 22 versus Thursday Jun 23

FW35 Shenandoah River along the bank at Morgan’s Ford public boat landing. E. coli levels on Wednesday June 22 versus Thursday June 23

On Wednesday June 22, 2022 some areas in the region experienced rain storms where 1-2 inches of rain fell. We were able to collect water samples at sites on Wednesday before the storm. We went out again on Thursday, June 23, 2022, after the storm to collect water samples at some of the sites that we did the previous day to illustrate the effect the rain had on E. coli levels.

As reference, the FOSR uses the Virginia water-quality standard prior to October 2019 which was a single sample threshold of 235 E. coli colony-forming units per 100 mL of water sample for primary recreational use. Meaning that if a single freshwater grab sample had E. coli levels that exceed 235 CFU per 100mL of water sample then the water was considered unsafe for primary recreational use.

 

FC01 Shenandoah River E. coli levels on Wednesday June 22 versus Thursday Jun 23

FW14 SF Shenandoah River E. coli levels on Wednesday June 22 versus Thursday Jun 23

What is E. coli Bacteria?

June 22, 2022 Concerning E. coli levels at Site FW 35 Shenandoah River, Morgan’s Ford bridge

The E. coli levels of >2,419.6 MPN of CFUs per 100 mL of water sample at Site FW 35 Shenandoah River, Morgan’s Ford bridge, along the bank of the public boat launch on June 22, 2022 are of concern.  When I was collecting the water sample at this site yesterday there were people of all ages, toddlers to adults, enjoying a summers day in the River.

Finding E. coli bacteria in the water indicates recent fecal contamination and possible presence of other disease-causing microorganisms or pathogens.  As the level of E. coli increases, potential health risk from exposure to pathogenic organisms also increases. Possible health effects:

 

Storms put a damper on the Water Sample Collection

Storms rolled in quickly yesterday afternoon while we were collecting the water sample at Berry’sFerry (Rt. 50 bridge) public boat landing in Clarke County, VA. We called it a day. We went back to the FOSR’s water quality testing lab to set up the water samples that we did collect for E. coli enumeration. This morning we headed back out to collect the water samples at the sites that we weren’t able to hit yesterday.  I also revisited a few of the sites that I collected samples from yesterday to compare the effect of the storms had on the E. coli levels.

 

 

 

FOSR’s Summer E. coli Test Results for Tuesday, June 14, 2022

 
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