What is Bacteria Pollution?
If you have ever seen beach, river or lake closures a cause of this is likely bacteria pollution, which may have come from untreated stormwater. Microbiological water pollution is usually a natural form of water pollution caused by microorganisms. Bacteria can be found in stormwater and is usually from failing septic systems, wastewater treatment plant releases, livestock, urban stormwater, and waste from animals (including pets).
Bacteria and viruses are naturally present in the environment. Most bacteria are beneficial, serving as food for larger organisms and playing critical roles in natural processes such as organic matter decomposition and food digestion. Around 10% of bacteria are harmful, including E. Coli, which if ingested by humans or animals, can cause sickness or even death.
Some bacteria and pathogens will always be present in surface waters. While most of the bacteria and pathogens from fecal waste in the water will die off over time, some may survive. Pathogens from fecal waste generally die off in the environment much faster than bacteria. While there is not a way to rid water bodies of all pathogens, there are many ways we can reduce bacteria in surface waters.
To learn more about how to reduce bacteria pollution and Respect Our Waters explore below! .
Pollution Prevention at Businesses: Stormwater from industrial and commercial properties can be a major source of bacteria pollution that affects local waterways. Businesses that deal with food handling, such as grocery stores and restaurants, have the greatest potential to release bacteria into our waterways. To learn more tips about how to prevent bacteria pollution at your business click here (coming soon!).
Green Infrastructure and Low Impact Development: Low Impact Development are systems and practices that use or mimic natural processes that result in the infiltration, evapotranspiration or use of stormwater in order to protect water quality and associated aquatic habitat. To learn about green infrastructure and low impact development, click here!
Illicit Discharge Discharge and Elimination: An illegal dumping or illicit discharge is any discharge to the storm drainage system that is not composed entirely of stormwater or of non-stormwater discharges allowed as specified in the City's Municipal Stormwater Permit. To learn more about how to detect and eliminate illegal dumpings, click here!
Pet Waste: Dog waste that isn’t cleaned up isn’t just a hazard for the bottom of your shoes—it is also a cause of pollution in creeks, rivers and lakes across the country. To learn more about pet waste and how it’s a pollutant, click here!
Residential Infiltration: Infiltration basins, infiltration trenches, dry wells, and underground infiltration systems capture and temporarily store stormwater before allowing it to infiltrate into the soil. To learn more tips about how to increase infiltration at your home click here!