Exploring Seasonality in Escherichia coli and Fecal Coliform Ratios in Urban Watersheds
Publication: Journal of Irrigation and Drainage Engineering
Volume 140, Issue 4
Abstract
As regulators in the United States develop plans to mitigate microbial pollution via the design of total maximum daily load (TMDL) plans, historical data sets are often used to establish existing conditions for watersheds. Due to the revision of guidance recommending Escherichia coli (E. coli) as the preferred target indicator species in surface-water quality-monitoring programs, historical fecal-coliform concentration data are often used to estimate E. coli concentrations and loadings. Data from Raleigh and Durham, North Carolina, suggest the ratio of E. coli to fecal coliform (EC/FC) varies significantly by season throughout the year (). These seasonal differences are not accounted for in most translator equations, which assume a single linear relationship between E. coli and fecal coliform regardless of season. These observations imply that seasonal translator equations may more accurately reflect the relationship between fecal coliforms and E. coli, and would thus result in the development of more accurate and effective TMDL plans.
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Acknowledgments
The authors thank the staff of the City of Durham Stormwater and GIS Services for data collected and organized for the Durham, North Carolina, watersheds. The City of Durham graciously allowed the use of their data in this publication. The authors also recognize the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources for funding the study in Raleigh, North Carolina.
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Irrigation and Drainage Engineering
Volume 140 • Issue 4 • April 2014
Copyright
© 2014 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Jul 31, 2013
Accepted: Nov 29, 2013
Published online: Jan 16, 2014
Published in print: Apr 1, 2014
Discussion open until: Jun 16, 2014
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