What Is Escherichia coli (E. coli)?

Escherichia coli (E. coli) is a bacterium which is naturally present in human and animal intestines and plays an important role in the process of digestion. However, some forms of E. coli can cause severe forms of diarrhoea that can lead to kidney failure and death. Untreated sewage is a common source of E. coli contamination.

How Does E. coli Enter Our Water?
E. coli
E. coli can enter our water from a number of different sources, primarily from municipal sewers but also faulty septic tank run-off, manure and feedlot runoff, livestock access to streams, the disposal of milkhouse wash water to nearby drainage ditches and streams, and faeces deposited in woodlands from warm blooded animals.

In urban areas, the E. coli from pet waste in parks or on the street may be washed into creeks, rivers, streams, lakes, or groundwater during rainfalls or snow melts. The contamination in water is often highest immediately following a storm, because of urban runoff.

In addition, infected bathers can unknowingly contaminate water, and contamination can occur from boaters discharging wastes directly into water. When recreational waters are used as a source of drinking water there is a danger of contaminants, such as E. coli, being consumed by humans.

Why Is E. coli A Concern?

There are hundreds of strains of E. coli. Most are harmless and live in the intestines of healthy humans and animals. Some, such as E. coli O157:H7, can cause severe illness. Infection often causes:

• severe bloody diarrhoea;
• abdominal cramps; and
• fever.

(These symptoms are common to a variety of diseases, and may be caused by sources other than contaminated drinking water).

Young children, the elderly, and the chronically ill are at greater risk for severe symptoms. In some cases, infection can lead to kidney failure and possibly death.

Scoop the PoopWhat Can I Do About E. coli?

Drinking water from public systems is treated to kill or inactivate E. coli (for more information see Municipal Drinking Water Treatment, and Private Well Water Treatment), however as recreational water can be contaminated from direct human contact as well as other external sources it is important to pay attention to beach water quality advisories.

To prevent becoming infected:

• Avoid swallowing lake or pool water while swimming
• Cover any cuts or open wounds before entering the water

To prevent contributing to E. coli contamination of lakes, river and streams, it is important to:

• Upgrade septic systems and keep them in good working order
• Remove your pets dropping immediately from streets, parks and private property
• Anyone with a diarrhoeal illness should avoid swimming in public pools or lakes, sharing baths with others, and preparing food for others.
• In agricultural areas, fence livestock away from streams and provide them with alternate water sources
• Ensure runoff from feedlots and manure piles are properly contained.