Final sampling of Lake of the Ozarks study finds no elevated E. Coli levels 2011 geometric mean lowest of five-year study

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JEFFERSON CITY, Mo., OCT. 5, 2011 – The final water quality sampling of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources’ five-year study of the Lake of the Ozarks found no elevated E. coli.

Samples taken Monday found no cases of elevated E. coli in any of the 12 coves sampled on the lake’s western end.

The geometric mean for the 2011 recreational season at the coves sampled was 3 E. coli colonies per 100 milliliters of water, which was the lowest geometric mean since the study began in 2007. A geometric mean is a statistical method used to analyze data collected over a period of time.

All of the study’s year-end results have been significantly below the geometric mean at which a water body is considered unsuitable for swimming and related activities, which is 126 E. coli colonies per 100 milliliters of water. From 2007-2011 the geometric means were 5, 7.6, 8.8, 3.8 and 3.0.

Over the course of the study, the department, working with volunteers from the Lake of the Ozarks Watershed Alliance, collected and processed 1,619 samples from sites beginning at Bagnell Dam in 2007 and proceeding up the lake to Truman Dam this year. Over the five years of the study, 43 samples – or 2.6 percent – were in excess of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s single sample maximum recommend E. coli level for swimming beaches, which is 235 E. coli colonies per 100 milliliters of water.

The Lake of the Ozarks study was funded by Ameren UE as part of the relicensing agreement for Bagnell Dam.

A link to a map of the 2011 sample areas and results is available on the department’s website at dnr.mo.gov/loz.htm. Sample results from previous years are also available online.

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Lake of the Ozarks sampling of 13 coves finds none with elevated E. Coli levels

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JEFFERSON CITY, MO, SEPT. 8, 2011 – The sampling of 13 coves on the western end of the Lake of the Ozark Tuesday found none with E. coli levels in excess of the federal standard for public swimming beaches, the Missouri Department of Natural Resources announced today.

In the final year of a five-year program, the department is sampling water from coves from the Brown Bend area (Mile Marker 61) to the U.S. Highway 65 bridge (Mile Marker 90). The purpose of the program is to develop a five-year baseline that will assist in future studies of the lake’s health.

 All of the coves sampled Tuesday will be tested for a final time this year in October.    

The state water quality standard for swimming and related whole body contact recreation is a geometric mean of 126 E. coli colonies per 100 milliliters of water during the entire recreational season. A geometric mean is a statistical method used to analyze data collected over a period of time.

Because the state standard requires data collected over the entire summer before a determination is made, the department reports monthly results as compared to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s single-sample standard of 235 E. coli colonies per 100 milliliters of water for swimming beaches.

E. coli is a bacteria found in the intestinal tract of warm-blooded animals, including humans.  While most strains of E. coli are harmless, some can cause gastrointestinal illness.  The testing process used in this study does not differentiate between strains.

These bacteria and other pathogens can reach lake water from many different sources, both human and animal.  For some people, such as children, elderly or those with weakened immune systems, even low levels of these bacteria may cause illness.

The sampling program is a partnership between the Department of Natural Resources, Lake of the Ozarks Watershed Alliance and Ameren UE. When completed, the program will have collected sampling data from coves from Bagnell Dam to Truman Dam.

A link to a map of the areas being sampled is available on the department’s website at dnr.mo.gov/loz.htm. Monitoring results will be posted to the map as they become available.

Related articles

• Lake of the Ozarks sampling of 13 coves finds none with elevated E. Coli levels (missourioutdoors.blogspot.com)
• Lake of the Ozarks sampling of 13 coves finds no elevated E. Coli levels (missourioutdoors.blogspot.com)
• Lake of the Ozarks sampling of 12 coves finds no elevated E. Coli levels (missourioutdoors.blogspot.com)
• Natural Resources, Health departments to take additional water samples, inspect cove for E. coli at Lake of the Ozarks (missourioutdoors.blogspot.com)
• Grand Glaize Beach at Lake of the Ozarks State Park reopens (missourioutdoors.blogspot.com)

Find Fishing and Camping Information for Lake of the Ozarks and other MO Waters and Areas

Lake of the Ozarks sampling of 13 coves finds none with elevated E. Coli levels

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JEFFERSON CITY, MO, AUG. 3, 2011 – The sampling of 13 Upper Lake of the Ozark coves Monday found none with E. coli levels in excess of the federal standard for public swimming beaches, the Missouri Department of Natural Resources announced today.

In the final year of a five-year program, the department is sampling water from coves in the Upper Lake of the Ozarks from the Brown Bend area (Mile Marker 61) to the U.S. Highway 65 bridge (Mile Marker 90). The purpose of the program is to develop a five-year baseline that will assist in future studies of the lake’s health.

 All of the coves sampled Monday will be tested again following Labor Day weekend and in October.    

The state water quality standard for swimming and related whole body contact recreation is a geometric mean of 126 E. coli colonies per 100 milliliters of water during the entire recreational season. A geometric mean is a statistical method used to analyze data collected over a period of time.

Because the state standard requires data collected over the entire summer before a determination is made, the department reports monthly results as compared to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s single-sample standard of 235 E. coli colonies per 100 milliliters of water for swimming beaches.

E. coli is a bacteria found in the intestinal tract of warm-blooded animals, including humans.  While most strains of E. coli are harmless, some can cause gastrointestinal illness.  The testing process used in this study does not differentiate between strains.

These bacteria and other pathogens can reach lake water from many different sources, both human and animal.  For some people, such as children, elderly or those with weakened immune systems, even low levels of these bacteria may cause illness.

The sampling program is a partnership between the Department of Natural Resources, Lake of the Ozarks Watershed Alliance and Ameren UE. When completed, the program will have collected sampling data from coves from Bagnell Dam to Truman Dam.

A link to a map of the areas being sampled is available on the department’s website at dnr.mo.gov/loz.htm. Monitoring results will be posted to the map as they become available.

Related articles

• Lake of the Ozarks sampling of 13 coves finds no elevated E. Coli levels (missourioutdoors.blogspot.com)
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• Lake of the Ozarks sampling of 12 coves finds no elevated E. Coli levels (missourioutdoors.blogspot.com)
• Grand Glaize Beach at Lake of the Ozarks State Park reopens (missourioutdoors.blogspot.com)
• Trail of Tears State Park Beach reopens; Bacteria levels close Grand Glaize Beach at Lake of the Ozarks (missourioutdoors.blogspot.com)
• Planned openings of Lake of the Ozarks, Cuivre River state parks' swimming beaches postponed (family-outdoors.blogspot.com)
• Swimming beaches at four state parks temporarily closed following heavy rainfall, bacteria levels Two others closed due to storm, flooding damage (missourioutdoors.blogspot.com)

Natural Resources, Health departments to take additional water samples, inspect cove for E. coli at Lake of the Ozarks

Image via Wikipedia JEFFERSON CITY, Mo., JULY 29, 2011 -- The Missouri departments of Natural Resources and Health and Senior Services will collect additional water quality samples and inspect Possum Hollow Cove in the Lake of the Ozarks following E. coli levels in excess of federal guidelines.

            On May 23, the Lake of the Ozarks Watershed Alliance began a 20-week water quality monitoring project to address stormwater-related pollution affecting the Lake of the Ozarks. As part of the project, LOWA conducts weekly water quality sampling from coves located between mile markers 1-19. Sample results are then shared with both state agencies to take necessary action as needed. Results are also posted online at dnr.mo.gov/loz/loz-waterquality-study.htm.

            Samples collected from Possum Hollow Cove on Monday, July 25, found three of the four samples exceeded the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s recommended maximum level for swimming areas of 235 E. coli colonies per 100 milliliters of water. Sample results ranged from 99.0 to 866.4 E. coli colonies per 100 milliliters of water. These results were received yesterday, July 28.

            Staff from the Department of Natural Resources’ Southwest Regional Office will collect additional water quality samples and complete an inspection of the area to determine if there are observable discharges into the coves’ watershed that may be contributing to water quality issues.

            Staff from the Department of Health and Senior Services will accompany the Department of Natural Resources to aid in the visual inspection. In addition, DHSS will distribute informational flyers to area residents.  If residents are experiencing problems with their on-site sewage systems they are encouraged to contact the Morgan County Health Department for assistance.   

            The sample test results indicate a snap shot of the water quality taken at the cove at a specific time; however, a single sample does not provide an overall sense of the water quality in the lake. A total of nine coves are tested weekly as part of this water quality monitoring project. Sample results collected from the remaining eight coves were below federal guidelines.

            Sample results from LOWA’s water quality monitoring project are available on the Department of Natural Resources’ website at dnr.mo.gov/loz/loz-waterquality-study.htm.

Lake of the Ozarks sampling of 13 coves finds no elevated E. Coli levels

JEFFERSON CITY, MO, JULY 7, 2011 – The sampling of 13 upper Lake of the Ozark coves Tuesday found none with E. coli levels in excess of the federal standard for public swimming beaches, the Missouri Department of Natural Resources announced today.

In the final year of a five-year program, the department is sampling water from coves in the Upper Lake of the Ozarks from the Brown Bend area (Mile Marker 61) to the U.S. Highway 65 bridge (Mile Marker 90). The purpose of the program is to develop a five-year baseline that will assist in future studies of the lake’s health.

All of the coves sampled Tuesday will be tested monthly through October, including immediately following Labor Day weekend.

The state water quality standard for swimming and related whole body contact recreation is a geometric mean of 126 E. coli colonies per 100 milliliters of water during the entire recreational season. A geometric mean is a statistical method used to analyze data collected over a period of time.

Because the state standard requires data collected over the entire summer before a determination is made, the department reports monthly results as compared to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s single-sample standard of 235 E. coli colonies per 100 milliliters of water for swimming beaches.

E. coli is a bacteria found in the intestinal tract of warm-blooded animals, including humans. While most strains of E. coli are harmless, some can cause gastrointestinal illness. The testing process used in this study does not differentiate between strains.

These bacteria and other pathogens can reach lake water from many different sources, both human and animal. For some people, such as children, elderly or those with weakened immune systems, even low levels of these bacteria may cause illness.

The sampling program is a partnership between the Department of Natural Resources, Lake of the Ozarks Watershed Alliance and Ameren UE. When completed, the program will have collected sampling data from coves from Bagnell Dam to Truman Dam.

A link to a map of the areas being sampled is available on the department’s website at dnr.mo.gov/loz.htm. Monitoring results will be posted to the map as they become available.

Related articles

• Lake of the Ozarks sampling of 12 coves finds no elevated E. Coli levels (missourioutdoors.blogspot.com)
• Swimming beaches at four state parks temporarily closed following heavy rainfall, bacteria levels Two others closed due to storm, flooding damage (missourioutdoors.blogspot.com)
• Planned openings of Lake of the Ozarks, Cuivre River state parks' swimming beaches postponed (family-outdoors.blogspot.com)

Lake of the Ozarks sampling of 12 coves finds no elevated E. Coli levels

JEFFERSON CITY, MO, JUNE 22, 2011 – The sampling of 12 Upper Lake of the Ozark coves Monday found none with E. coli levels in excess of the federal standard for public swimming beaches, the Missouri Department of Natural Resources announced today.

In the final year of a five-year program, the department is sampling water from coves in the Upper Lake of the Ozarks from the Brown Bend area (Mile Marker 61) to the U.S. Highway 65 bridge (Mile Marker 90). The purpose of the program is to develop a five-year baseline that will assist in future studies of the lake’s health.
 All of the coves sampled Monday will be tested monthly through October, including immediately following the Independence Day and Labor Day weekends.

The state water quality standard for swimming and related whole body contact recreation is a geometric mean of 126 E. coli colonies per 100 milliliters of water during the entire recreational season. A geometric mean is a statistical method used to analyze data collected over a period of time.
Because the state standard requires data collected over the entire summer before a determination is made, the department reports monthly results as compared to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s single-sample standard of 235 E. coli colonies per 100 milliliters of water for swimming beaches.

E. coli is a bacteria found in the intestinal tract of warm-blooded animals, including humans.  While most strains of E. coli are harmless, some can cause gastrointestinal illness.  The testing process used in this study does not differentiate between strains.

These bacteria and other pathogens can reach lake water from many different sources, both human and animal.  For some people, such as children, elderly or those with weakened immune systems, even low levels of these bacteria may cause illness.

Lake of the Ozarks testing finds three samples in 45 with elevated E. Coli levels

JEFFERSON CITY, MO, JUNE 2, 2011 – Water testing in 13 upper Lake of the Ozark coves Tuesday found three samples out of 45 with an E. coli level in excess of federal standards for public swimming beaches, the Missouri Department of Natural Resources announced today.

In the final year of a five-year program, the department is sampling water from coves in the upper Lake of the Ozarks from the Brown Bend area (Mile Marker 61) to the U.S. Highway 65 bridge (Mile Marker 90). The purpose of the program is to develop a five-year baseline that will assist in future studies of the lake’s health.

Each of the three samples exceeding the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s recommended maximum level for swimming areas of 235 E. coli colonies per 100 milliliters of water were located in Benton County:

·        Big Buffalo Creek Cove, 435.2 colonies per 100 milliliters of water.

·        Cole Camp Creek Cove, 261.3 colonies per 100 milliliters of water.

·        Turkey Creek Cove, 238.2 colonies per 100 milliliters of water.

In each case, four other samples taken in the same cove met the EPA standard.

Department staff will be returning to these coves to take follow-up samples. Inspectors from the department’s Southwest Regional Office in Springfield will also begin inspections of permitted facilities within the coves’ watersheds to determine if any of them are contributing to water quality issues.

 All of the coves sampled Tuesday will be tested again monthly through October, including following the Independence Day and Labor Day weekends in July and September. By the end of the season, each cove will be sampled at least six times.

The state water quality standard for swimming and related whole body contact recreation is a geometric mean of 126 E. coli colonies per 100 milliliters of water during the entire recreational season. A geometric mean is a statistical method used to analyze data collected over a period of time. Because the state standard requires data collected over the entire summer before a determination is made, the department reports monthly results as compared to EPA’s single-sample standard of 235 E. coli colonies per 100 milliliters of water.

E. coli is a bacteria found in the intestinal tract of warm-blooded animals, including humans.  While most strains of E. coli are harmless, some can cause gastrointestinal illness. The testing process used in this study does not differentiate between strains.

These bacteria and other pathogens can reach lake water from many different sources, both human and animal.  For some people, such as children, elderly or those with weakened immune systems, even low levels of these bacteria may cause illness.

The sampling program is a partnership between the Department of Natural Resources, Lake of the Ozarks Watershed Alliance and Ameren UE. Over the course of the program, the department will have collected sampling data from coves from Bagnell Dam to Truman Dam.

A link to a map of the areas being sampled is available on the department’s website at dnr.mo.gov/loz.htm. Monitoring results will be posted to the map as they become available. A department fact sheet on E. coli and the Lake of the Ozarks is also available on the web at dnr.mo.gov/pubs/pub2239.pdf