|
|
Published August 27, 2006 12:00 am - Heading into the last big weekend of summer, between one-fourth and one-half of 40 swimming holes, streams and creeks in Southwest Missouri continue to register bacteria levels that make them unsafe for swimming.
Many area streams, creeks show high bacteria levels
The Joplin Globe
By Andy Ostmeyer
aostmeyer@joplinglobe.com
Heading into the last big weekend of summer, between one-fourth and one-half of 40 swimming holes, streams and creeks in Southwest Missouri continue to register bacteria levels that make them unsafe for swimming.
That's according to the latest data available from stream team volunteers and county health department officials, as well as a sampling of area sites tested at the request of The Joplin Globe.
The results:
Spring River continues to have elevated levels of either E. coli or enterococci, and often both types of fecal bacteria, at five sites around Carthage, according to Stream Team 2416, which conducted its latest tests on Aug. 19.
Five of 10 sites tested by the Newton County Health Department showed levels of E. coli on Aug. 16 in excess of federal standards. Two more Newton County sites tested above the state standard but below the federal threshold.
The Lawrence County Health Department found that none of eight sites tested on Wednesday showed elevated levels of E. coli. Lawrence County officials also use the higher federal standard. Four sites tested above the state limit. Three weeks earlier, three of the eight sites exceeded the federal limit. Wednesday's reading is the best that county has seen since it began testing several years ago.
Of 17 sites tested at the request of the Globe on Aug. 17, only one was above the EPA level - Shoal Creek near the Barry-Newton county line. Two other sites tested above the state threshold.
None of eight sites tested in McDonald County, which draws thousands of tourists annually to swim and fish in the Elk River and its tributaries, had elevated levels of E. coli on Aug. 17.
The samples for the Globe were collected by volunteers who also collect samples for Newton County, and the tests were conducted by the Newton County Health Department and paid for by The Globe.
In all, 11 of 40 sites tested recently topped the federal standard, while 19 sites topped the state standard for the bacteria Escherichia coli, which can causes numerous illnesses ranging from meningitis to urinary tract infections. One strain of E. coli can even be deadly. Enterococci, which only the Carthage stream team is currently testing for, also is associated with human illness.
Yet, other than in Lawrence County, no one in Southwest Missouri is posting sites as unsafe for swimming when bacteria levels are elevated.
Health threat
That's what bothers Wayne Christian, a Carthage science teacher who directs the volunteer stream team.
•
Click to discuss this story with other readers on our forums.
|
|
"2010 Spelling Bee Sponsored by: Tamko Building Products." 






 |
|
TRUCK PARTS SALESPERSON
Truck experience preferred. Apply Weldon Truck Parts, 1050 Joplin Street, Joplin....>MORE
IMMEDIATE OPENING
RACE Brothers Farm and Home Supply is now hiring for Power Equipment Sales. Experience preferred, but will train w...>MORE
DRURY INN AND SUITES
Now hiring extraordinary people for housekeeping. Smiles are a must. Good benefit package, competitive pay. Apply ...>MORE
RN’S AND NURSE TECHNICIANS
Critical Care RN’s, Medical Surgery RN’s and Technicians. Work locally for agency pay. PRN shifts in the Joplin and Bran...>MORE
ORAL SURGERY ASSISTANT
Pay based on experience. Benefits available. Please call (417)625-1122....>MORE
HILTON GARDEN INN
HILTON GARDEN INN • Front Desk • Housekeeping • Server NO PHONE CALLS! Apply at 2644 E. 32nd Street...>MORE
WEEKEND FILTRATION PLANT OPERATOR
Needed for the City of Neosho 11 p.m. Thursday-7 a.m. Friday, 1 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, possibly 9 a.m.-5 p.m...>MORE
See all ads |
|
1951 CHEVROLET BUSINESS COUPE
hot rod project. 1970 1/2 Camaro Rallye Sport, 350 automatic. 1968 Camaro SS 350. Cars need finished. 620-421-8200, 620-...>MORE
2009 STARLITE
25’ tandem axle, gooseneck trailer with ramps, $3900 or best offer. 417-214-5617....>MORE
SKIDSTEER
with bucket, forks and new tires, diesel, $5000 or best offer. 417-214-5617....>MORE
GMC 2008 ACADIA SLE
GMC, 2008 Acadia SLE, deep blue metallic, 3.6 liter V6, $28,500. (417)850-3075...>MORE
CHEVROLET 1998 LS
Chevrolet, 1998 LS stepside, Limited Edition, 4.3 liter, new tires, $3500. 623-9989...>MORE
JEEP, 1991 WRANGLER
4 wheel drive, 4 cylinder, 5 speed, runs good, $4300 or best offer. Goodman, MO (559)281-2523, leave message....>MORE
See all ads |
|
|
|
TOTAL ELECTRIC 28X68, 3 BR
total electric 28x68, 1706 sq. ft., 3 BR, 2 ba, central air/heat, on rented lot, $39,500 or best offer. 417-388-1994, 38...>MORE
LOST USB DRIVE
The location was either Audobon Wildcat Glades Trail or Candy House at Reddings Mill. Will offer $30 reward if ret...>MORE
YORKIES
Yorkies, teacup, male and female, starting at $300. (417)389-7560....>MORE
KYMCO 2008 500 SCOOTER
KYMCO, 2008 Exciting 500 scooter, blue with 1450 miles, garage kept, like new. Sells new for $6000, NADA book retail $43...>MORE
37” TV
$150; 24” TV, $50; 13” TV, $10; wedding dress, David’s Bridal, size 4, $250; reclining love seat and recliner, 4 months ...>MORE
FREE ANTIQUE UPRIGHT
GERT BROTHERS 1890 PIANO Free, pick up only - the piano is yours if you come get it. Huge piano, ivory keys,...>MORE
3 BR, 2 BA, VERY NICE
3 BR, 2 BA, very nice, 16X80, new flooring, vinyl/single, deck, on rented lot or can be moved, $19,500. (417)434-0236...>MORE
3 PIECE WOOD POSTER BED
3 piece black heavy pressed wood poster bed, like new mattress, excellent condition with bedspread, red, like new and sh...>MORE
LIKE NEW
BOWFLEX TREADCLIMBER Moving, must sell. Model TC5000. Original purchase price $2600. Asking $9500 or best offer. Ca...>MORE
CHIHUAHUA PUPPIES
pure bred, no papers, $100. (417)592-1760....>MORE
See all ads |
|
 |
|