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 maps: Back to All Impaired Waterbodies | Nutrient Pollution | Mercury Pollution | Sediment Pollution
The bacterial pollution map above shows all surface waters impaired by one or more of the following pollutants: coliform, pathogens, indicator bacteria, fecal coliform, total coliform, E. coli, and enterococcus.
