Test results for E. coli at Betty’s Branch have gone down after three weeks of high readings.
Water samples collected July 20 yielded readings of E. coli too numerous to count on Wednesday, according to a news release from the Savannah Riverkeeper. As of Friday, tests results show a significant decrease.
“Our follow up results showed a big drop at Betty’s Branch,” said Tonya Bonitatibus, executive director at the Savannah Riverkeeper, in an email. “The current number is 250, just barely orange.”
The Savannah Riverkeeper swim guide reports its sample results in MPN, or most probable number, a similar unit of measurement. The highest concentration of E. coli bacteria in allowed by the Environmental Protection Division is about 359 MPN. The status changes from yellow to red at 360. Red is the status where the water is considered unsafe for swimming.
MORE: E.coli Readings ‘Too Numerous To Count’ At Betty’s Branch
The test results Wednesday yielded a result of over 2,400 MPN, prompting the Savannah River Keeper to conduct more tests to find out the source of the recent increase.
“After comparing our results and estimated rainfall in the area the day before our sampling of .75 inches two weeks ago and one inch this past week, we believe these spikes to be stormwater runoff related,” said Bonitatibus. “It’s a great reminder of how our actions in our own backyards can affect much more than most expect.”
Friday’s findings reveal the readings for E. coli. Complete coliform testing results will be ready Saturday. Bonitatibus finds the available results to be good news.
“No rain expected this weekend,” she said. “Should be a great weekend on the water.”
E.coli bacteria normally live in the intestines of humans and animals, but some types of the E.coli bacteria can cause infections if ingested resulting in diarrhea, fever and vomiting, according to the Centers for Disease Control website. Severe infections can lead to renal failure and death.
Skyler Q. Andrews is a staff reporter with The Augusta Press. Reach him at skyler@theaugustapress.com.
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