Investigation of Wilson Creek Coliform Bacteria Sources Within Ellensburg City Limits
Document Type
Oral Presentation
Campus where you would like to present
SURC Ballroom B/C/D
Start Date
21-5-2015
End Date
21-5-2015
Keywords
Water Quality, Coliform, Antibiotic Resistance
Abstract
The city of Ellensburg, Washington, is heavily invested in agriculture and livestock production. The concern for contamination of local streams and rivers represents an important local issue that sits at the crossroads of science, community health, politics, and the rural lifestyle. Previous research projects have found that fecal coliform levels of Wilson Creek are three times higher in Ellensburg than they are in the water surrounding town, with in-town levels dangerously exceeding surface water quality standards as set forth in Washington State law. The focus of this research was to find the location and source of coliform bacteria making its way into Wilson Creek in Ellensburg. Sample sites were established along Wilson Creek from September to November 2014 where biweekly standardized water sample tests were performed. Total coliform counts from the various sample sites have narrowed the suspected input source to a two-block stretch of Wilson Creek. A drop in the coliform level following the cessation of irrigation water flow suggest the source of contamination is the nearby canal. Continuing research has isolated several strains of coliform bacteria from the creek, tested them for antibacterial resistance, and attempted to identify the species of bacteria. This research is taking place in conjunction with city water management specialists and represents a joint effort between the City of Ellensburg and the Biological Sciences Department at Central Washington University to protect public health by identifying and eliminating sources of dangerous bacteria in local surface waterways.
Recommended Citation
Hallsson, Kristel; Elg, Clint; Macke, Josh; and Smith, Tyler, "Investigation of Wilson Creek Coliform Bacteria Sources Within Ellensburg City Limits" (2015). Symposium Of University Research and Creative Expression (SOURCE). 37.
https://digitalcommons.cwu.edu/source/2015/posters/37
Poster Number
47
Department/Program
Biological Sciences
Additional Mentoring Department
Biological Sciences
Investigation of Wilson Creek Coliform Bacteria Sources Within Ellensburg City Limits
SURC Ballroom B/C/D
The city of Ellensburg, Washington, is heavily invested in agriculture and livestock production. The concern for contamination of local streams and rivers represents an important local issue that sits at the crossroads of science, community health, politics, and the rural lifestyle. Previous research projects have found that fecal coliform levels of Wilson Creek are three times higher in Ellensburg than they are in the water surrounding town, with in-town levels dangerously exceeding surface water quality standards as set forth in Washington State law. The focus of this research was to find the location and source of coliform bacteria making its way into Wilson Creek in Ellensburg. Sample sites were established along Wilson Creek from September to November 2014 where biweekly standardized water sample tests were performed. Total coliform counts from the various sample sites have narrowed the suspected input source to a two-block stretch of Wilson Creek. A drop in the coliform level following the cessation of irrigation water flow suggest the source of contamination is the nearby canal. Continuing research has isolated several strains of coliform bacteria from the creek, tested them for antibacterial resistance, and attempted to identify the species of bacteria. This research is taking place in conjunction with city water management specialists and represents a joint effort between the City of Ellensburg and the Biological Sciences Department at Central Washington University to protect public health by identifying and eliminating sources of dangerous bacteria in local surface waterways.
Faculty Mentor(s)
Holly Pinkart