Campaign focuses on kids, water and bacteria

Washington State Department of Ecology

Department of Ecology News Release - April 30, 2008

08-104

Campaign focuses on kids, water and bacteria

ELLENSBURG – Health and environmental officials encourage people to be careful when swimming and wading in local waters this summer.

Kittitas County Public Health Department and the Washington Department of Ecology have launched a campaign to make parents and children aware that, as the weather warms, the levels of harmful bacteria will increase in area streams and other waters.

“We are making strides to prevent human and animal waste from entering our waterways. However, it’s important for people to know that they can become sick if they are exposed to polluted water,” explained Holly Myers, environmental health director for Kittitas County. “We hope people will take steps to prevent that contact.”

Over the next few weeks, information about fecal coliform bacteria in local waters will be available to parents through lower Kittitas County schools.

Water sampling has shown that many streams, creeks, ditches, and canals in lower Kittitas County have high levels of fecal coliform bacteria from about April to October. This includes waters running through and around the cities of Ellensburg and Kittitas.

Residents can help keep area waters clean and safe for recreation by making sure septic systems are operating properly, managing livestock manure and picking up their pet waste.

Where do fecal coliform bacteria come from? These bacteria come from the feces of warm-blooded animals such as people, pets, livestock, and wildlife. Human waste can enter water from leaking septic systems.

Why are fecal coliform bacteria a problem? When fecal coliform bacteria are in the water, waste from humans or warm-blooded animals is probably also in the water.

Human and animal waste can carry many kinds of harmful bacteria, viruses, and parasites.

People who swim or play in water should avoid getting the water in their mouths and should stay out of water if they have open cuts or sores. These steps can help to avoid catching diseases from human and animal waste.

How can you help keep the water clean?

If you have a home septic system, be sure it is working correctly. Have your septic tank pumped at least once every three to five years and ensure that the drain field is working properly. This prevents sewage from entering nearby waters.
Pet owners should pick up pet waste (“scoop the poop”) and dispose of it properly. Put the pet waste in a plastic bag, and put the sealed bag in the garbage. Pet waste can enter water through runoff. This is why it is important to clean up after your pet.
Limit livestock access to streams wherever possible. Fencing livestock away from water and providing them with alternate water sources can help.

If you have questions, concerns or comments, please contact Holly Myers, director of Environmental Health for Kittitas County at 962-7584, holly.myers@co.kittitas.wa.us or Jane Creech at the Washington Department of Ecology at 925-2557, jton461@ecy.wa.gov.

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Media Contacts:
Joye Redfield-Wilder, Ecology media relations, 509-575-2610, jred461@ecy.wa.gov
Holly Myers, Kittitas County Public Health 509-962-7584, holly.myers@co.kittitas.wa.us