By Andy Ostmeyer

aostmeyer@joplinglobe.com

NEOSHO, Mo. — The Newton County Health Department is not planning to test streams and creeks for bacteria this year.

“Money,” replied Bob Kulp, director of the department, when asked about the reason. Newton County began limited testing in 2005, relied on Stream Team volunteers in 2006, and last year used its own environmental public health specialists to test up to 40 locations around the county each week.

More than 48 percent of the stream sites in Newton County — including many popular swimming holes — showed average E. coli levels above the state standard of 126 colonies per 100 milliliters of water. Just under 27 percent tested above the federal standard of 235 colonies.

E. coli is a bacteria species that in large doses can cause illnesses ranging from meningitis to urinary tract infections.

Kulp said there is more testing he would like to do, including tributaries and springs, but last year’s work — labor, laboratory equipment and travel — cost the department $15,000.

“We had a tight budget year, and I had to make some cuts in our budget,” he said. “We’re not doing anything this year unless we find some grant money. We are looking into that as a possibility through our watershed groups.”

Sampling by the Newton County Health Department helped start the procedure of putting four county streams — Hickory, Capps, Lost and Upper Indian creeks — on the state’s list of impaired waters for E. coli, Kulp said.

The Health Department last year also was posting health advisories after finding elevated bacteria levels in streams, but that also will be discontinued, Kulp said.

He advised people to take precautions if they are wading or swimming in some of the county’s streams and creeks.

“Nothing has really changed,” he said. “People need to take precautions when they go swimming.”

The Jasper County Health Department, which last year began testing for bacteria in streams and creeks, is planning to start testing again this April, according to Tony Moehr, director.

Andy Ostmeyer is the metro editor for The Joplin Globe.