UGRA Samples & Tests Water Quality in Popular “Swimming Holes”

Kerrville , TX , May 19, 2006 - With the advent of summer and warm weather, the local “swimming holes” will soon be filled with people enjoying one of our most precious resources – the Guadalupe River . “As stewards of the Guadalupe River in Kerr County , the Upper Guadalupe River Authority (UGRA) takes a proactive approach in sampling and evaluating water quality in these popular recreational areas. UGRA samples and tests nineteen of the county’s swimming holes once a week, every week, from May through September,” says General Manager, Ray Buck .

To assess the relative risk associated with “full contact recreation” (swimmers head under water), E.coli bacteria are measured. E .coli originates from the intestines of warm-blooded animals and is an indicator organism. The presence of E.coli indicates that a warm-blooded animal’s feces have reached the water and pathogens may also be present. Sources of the E.coli can include inadequately treated sewage, livestock, pets and aquatic birds and mammals.

During the last several summers the Upper Guadalupe River in Kerr County has experienced wide fluctuations in E.coli bacteria counts (Upper Guadalupe River Authority, unpublished data). The E.coli fluctuations range from a low of 0 colonies/ 100 ml to a high of 3,000+ colonies/100 ml. Waste from concentrations of ducks and nesting birds on the numerous bridges has been touted as the main contributor to the high bacteria counts. The goal of an on-going, joint study between the UGRA and the TCEQ is to identify the sources of the bacteria. TCEQ is scheduled to present preliminary finding this summer.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has set stream standards for E.coli in swimming areas: 126 colonies of bacteria per 100 milliliters of water using a five day average, and/or a single sample should not exceed 394 colonies per 100 milliliters of water. If levels exceed this standard, the risk of contracting a gastrointestinal illness increased (30 TAC §307.7).

Two sites tested by UGRA recently exceeded the five day average over the EPA standard of 126 colonies. These include the footbridge at Louise Hays Park and the dam at Louise Hays Park . However, a grab sample from both locations on May 17, 2006 indicated E.coli counts well below the EPA stream standard of 394 colonies per 100 milliliters of water for a single sample.

The Guadalupe River remains one of the highest rated recreational and scenic rivers in Texas . However, unlike swimming pools and hot tubs that have chemical disinfectants to prevent bacteria growth, the river contains bacteria that can increase to levels that may create health concerns during hot weather when flows and water levels are low.

As part of the on-going monitoring program, UGRA will make the results of the weekly tests available to the public. Weekly test results will be posted on the UGRA website, www.ugra.org, or interested persons may call UGRA at 830.896.5445 to get results.

Finally, UGRA encourages swimmers to make informed decisions about when and how they take part in water recreation activities. To reduce the risk of exposure, anyone engaging in water recreation should follow these basic precautions.

¨ Never swim in stagnant water.

¨ Avoid water that is not moving, is very warm or has an odor.

¨ Do not dive deeply, even in fresh water.

¨ Hold your nose, or wear nose plugs when jumping into water or water skiing. Some experts think that the risk of certain diseases, such are primary amoebic meningoencephalitis, may increase when water containing this protozoa is forced into the nose and surrounding tissues under pressure.

UGRA aspires to be respected for its efficient, responsive and forthright stewardship of the Upper Guadalupe River and its tributaries.

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