Bacteria

While certain levels of bacteria help maintain balance in healthy aquatic ecosystems, high concentrations of some bacteria raise significant public health and environmental concerns. Dangerous bacteria can enter our waters from various sources, such as dairy farms and sewage treatment plants. Bacteria such as fecal coliform and E. coli raise the risk of waterborne diseases ranging in severity from ear infections and gastroenteritis, to typhoid and hepatitis A. Excessive bacteria levels also starve fish of the oxygen they require.

Selected pollutant maps: Nutrient Pollution | Bacteria Pollution | Mercury Pollution | Sediment Pollution | Back to all impaired waterbodies

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