Total Coliform Bacteria
Lake Pend Oreille and Pend Oreille River
Total Coliform Bacteria and E. coli are important because they serve as indicators for other, more pathogenic bacteria and viruses, especially those shed with human feces. Fecal contamination can include viruses like Hepatitis A, and bacteria like Shigella spp. or Vibrio cholera from humans, while wild or domestic animal feces may contain parasites such as Giardia spp., Cryptosporidium spp., or Salmonella. High levels of indicator bacteria may indicate high levels of these other pathogens as well.
Total coliform bacteria and E. coli measurements are very important to our high-use public access areas, like Sandpoint's City Beach. LPOW generally finds very low concentrations of these indicator bacteria in our lake and river, which is great news for everyone who enjoys our swimming and recreation areas!
Total coliform bacteria and E. coli measurements are very important to our high-use public access areas, like Sandpoint's City Beach. LPOW generally finds very low concentrations of these indicator bacteria in our lake and river, which is great news for everyone who enjoys our swimming and recreation areas!
