EM-110

EM-110 Bacterial Source Tracking: An introduction for laboratories and public agencies to the foremost tool for identifying sources of fecal pollution

Authors: G. Di Giovanni, L. Lee, B. VanDelist

According to the 2010 Texas Integrated Report, there are 303 bacterially impaired waterbodies in Texas. Nonpoint sources (NPS) of pollution greatly affect water quality. Identifying and assessing sources of fecal pollution is a key component in effectively implementing a NPS pollution management program. Proper evaluation of these sources is needed to properly assess risk in contact recreation, target best management practices, and develop effective watershed protection plans (WPPs) and bacterial total maximum daily loads (TMDLs).