| Background E-coli.: Escherichia coli (E. coli) are members of a large group of bacterial germs that inhabit the intestinal tract of humans and other warm blooded animals (mammals, birds). More than 700 serotypes of E. coli have been identified. The different E. coli serotypes are distinguished by their “O” and “H” antigens on their bodies and flagella, respectively. The E. coli serotypes that are responsible for the numerous reports of contaminated foods and beverages are those that produce Shiga toxin (Stx), so called because the toxin is virtually identical to that produced by another bacteria known as Shigella dysenteria type 1 (that also causes bloody diarrhea and hemolytic uremic syndrome [HUS] in emerging countries like Bangladesh) (Griffin & Tauxe, 1991, p. 60, 73). The best known and most notorious Stx- producing E. coli is E. coli O157:H7. It is important to remember that most kinds of E. coli bacteria do not cause disease in humans, indeed, some are beneficial, and some cause infections other than gastrointestinal infections, such urinary tract infections. Understand that the O157:H7 is rare, however it is found on cattle farms and can live in the intestines of healthy cattle. The toxin requires highly specific receptors on the cells' surface in order to attach and enter the cell; species such as cattle, swine, and deer which do not carry these receptors may harbor toxigenic bacteria without any ill effect, shedding them in their feces, from which they may be spread to humans. In lake Monitoring Through a partnership with the Missouri Department of Natural Resources (MODNR) and AmerenUE a five (5) year study is being conducted for bacteria in the coves of Lake of the Ozarks. With assistance from a grass roots organization Lake of the Ozarks Watershed Alliance (LOWA), to gather the samples that is analyzed by the MODNR. The amount of bacteria is recorded as a number of bacteria colonies per 100 millimeters of water. The standard is 126 colonies or less millimeters of water. It is important to note that if the levels of E-coli is greater that the standard all that is an indication that there is a presents of a level of bacteria and does not indicate as to type, (human or animal) nor what strain. The sampling is at best a snap shot of a possible problem, more sampling is needed to develop an accurate base line of historical data, and additional analysis is needed to determine level of bacteria and type (human or animal). Watershed The Lake of the Ozarks extends in Kansas, and takes in 8,960,000 acres or 14,000 square mile of land. The Lake of the Ozarks it self covers 886,900 acres. From Bagnell Dam to Truman Dam there is simple to many variables and influences to determine a one specific cause that affects the level of E-coli, as the Lake of the Ozarks area is a mix of rural, urban and non-urban. The Watershed has a large diversity of domestic and wild animal populations, from dogs, cats , horses, cattle, etc. to a large abundance of deer, water fowl, turkey and many other mammals and birds that are located in the lake area That contribute to bacteria levels in the lake, along with the human population . When we have a rain event, ( rain, snow melt) it will wash soils and other various materials into streams, lakes and rivers. Understand this, one (1) inch of rain on one (1) acre will produce 27,154 US gallons of water. 1 acre = 4840 sq yards = 4840 * 3 * 3 sq ft = 4840 * 3 * 3 * 12 * 12 sq in ==> 1 acre = 6,272,640 sq in So, the total volume of water is 6,272,640 * 1 cu in One gallon is about 231 cu in, so the amount of rain in gallons is 6,272,640 / 231 = 27,154 US gallons The 886,900 acres of the lake has the potential to produce 24,082,882,600 gallons of water within the lands surrounding Lake of the Ozarks. Of course with the above example exclude natural vegetation, soil conditions and other geological conditions natural and or man made. Another condition is sediment run off and or erosion; soil will carry E-coli into rivers, lakes and streams. Sediment runoff is the largest pollutant in waterways. Preventive measures LOWA has completed a Watershed Management Plan (WMP) for a specific portion of Lake of the Ozarks in this WMP are Best Management Practices (BMPs) which provide various suggestions, solutions, and management controls to reduce E-coli levels. Examples of BMPs are: 1. Public education 2. Inspections and improved regulations regarding private and public septic systems 3. Placement of rain gardens 4. Encourage proper maintenance of septic tanks through educational workshops and pump-out discounts 5. Develop two-pronged management plan for properly treating and disposing of domestic wastewater around the Lake’s shores. The management plan will encourage citizens to create neighborhood management of their wastewater and develop a cost- share program based on the Brush Creek Mid-Shed Evaluation System This plan will incorporate aspects of on-site management and operation, centralized management of decentralized systems, and regionalization when practical. 6. Expand water quality monitoring in the WMP area to include more sites, more frequent sampling, and more parameters being tested. Conclusion The Lake is Safe and Healthy The Lake of the Ozarks is a living organism, the waters are ever changing, there are many influences and factors that will impact the overall health of the lake, some of which are man made and others are a natural process. The lake is a healthy lake, it is one of the top fisheries in the state of Missouri, aquatic life is abundant, as is the local wildlife. Can the Lake of the Ozarks be stressed and does that stress effect the over all health of the lake the answers are both “yes”. Is it unhealthy to swim in, to boat to live at to the answer is “NO”. The Lake areas are a strong and viable social and economic area with tremendous growth potential. We must plan for the future as with eight (8) to ten (10) years many “baby boomers” will be retiring, and many of those will be moving to the lake area. With that in mind we must plan ahead for future growth, have the structure and services in place to accommodate the population increase. Part of that plan is to protect the one main resource which is “The Lake of the Ozarks” We do this by, assistance and positive active interaction from, business owners, developers, homeowners and visitors all those who have an interest in the lake. By doing this The Lake of the Ozark will remain an healthy lake that it is. |