Adams County is blessed with an abundance of local streams. During the summer months, these streams can be inviting places for youth and adults to escape the heat. While wading or swimming is an enjoyable summer activity, there are certain precautions you should consider before jumping in.

The Watershed Alliance of Adams County (WAAC) has been testing the water quality of multiple local streams for over 20 years. This testing provides valuable information about the potential presence of pollutants which cannot be seen, smelled, or tasted.

Between 2022 and 2024, WAAC followed a different testing protocol each summer to determine the presence or absence of pathogens (bacteria or viruses which can cause illness) in our streams and to look for patterns of contamination. Across all 3 summers, the pathogen Escherichia coli (E coli) was present in multiple streams at publicly accessible sites. While many forms of E coli are harmless and even helpful, others do cause illness such as diarrhea and various types of infection. The source of E coli in our streams could not be confirmed, although DNA testing which revealed human DNA suggested improperly maintained private septic systems as a possibility.

E coli levels in a waterbody can vary from day to day. If you plan to recreate in a stream, lake, or pond, there are some general precautions that you can take to reduce the likelihood of becoming ill.

Wait to enter the water until several days after heavy rainfall. Rain washes pollutants across the land surface and into a waterbody and stirs up pollutants which may already be present in the waterbody.
Check for cuts, scrapes, and broken skin before swimming or wading. Broken skin offers a method of entry for pathogens into your body.
Wear shoes to avoid cutting your feet on rocks or other sharp objects.
Wash your hands after recreating and before touching food or drink.
Avoid swallowing untreated water from a stream, pond, or lake.
Thoroughly bathe or shower after being in the water.

More information about E coli is available on the Cleveland Clinic website at https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/16638-e-coli-infection .

By Karen Kaslow, Watershed Alliance of Adams County