On the heels of concern over an E. coli presence in Kearsley Creek downstream in the Ortonville area, the Goodrich Mill Pond has also been found to have high levels of the bacteria.
An Oct. 5 survey of the Mill Pond conducted by the Genesee County Health Department showed E. coli bacteria present in numbers that may pose a danger if consumed.
A total of four water samples were taken from the pond, with two tests exceeding the 2,419 CFU (Colony Forming Units) threshold, one sample at 2,419 CFU and the lowest level of E. coli found in the four samples taken from the Mill Pond was 1,732 CFU.
When testing for E. coli, 100 ml samples are taken from a body of water and analyzed for bacterial presence. The number of E. coli bacteria found in the sample are then used to determine if there is a need to practice caution when coming in contact with that body of water.
Brian McKenzie, environmental health supervisor for the GCHD, said state standards for bathing beaches are 300 CFU E. coli over 100 ml sample, and 1,000 CFU for partial body contact like fishing and wading.
However, McKenzie said those numbers should not alarm residents.
‘These numbers are not uncommon,? said McKenzie. However, ‘E. coli is definitely an indicator of recent fecal contamination.?
McKenzie described E. coli as a bacteria that lives in the intestines of all mammals. Once excreted, McKenzie estimates the bacteria live between 48 and 72 hours.
‘It won’t live forever out of the host,? said McKenzie.
Moreover, McKenzie said there are hundreds of different strains of E. coli, but only about a dozen known to cause communicable disease in humans. All E.Coli, even those considered harmless, are included in the count.
Because of the level of E. coli present in the Mill Pond, McKenzie suggested residents practice hygiene and caution when coming in contact with that water.
As for fishing in the pond, McKenzie said that was safe as well, providing residents used precautions.
‘As long as you wash your hands thoroughly before eating or drinking, E.coli doesn’t enter into the safety of the eating of that fish,? said McKenzie.
Village Administrator Jakki Sidge said the tests were done in response to the recent findings in Kearsley Creek.
‘We will continue to monitor this situation and have the health department come back and do more testing and take the steps the health department recommends,? said Sidge.
McKenzie urged residents to remember that just because levels were high during this test, doesn’t mean those levels are typical for the pond. Factors that can effect the tests include rain and the presence of waterfowl, both of which were present during testing. McKenzie explained that while some assume rain would lower the levels of the bacteria, it actually tends to raise those levels by washing animal feces into the pond.
Though the technology exists to trace the source of the fecal generators responsible for the bacteria, McKenzie said the cost is prohibitive to an extent that makes it unrealistic for local governments.
Ultimately, McKenzie said the threat of E.coli comes down to consumption.
‘If that body of water can be consumed,? said McKenzie, ‘you run the risk of disease transmission. Residents simply have to be aware of it and practice common sense.?