Water monitors at three Duck Creek locations over a 5-year period show the stream is in nearly continuous violation of "E coli" bacteria standards, according to a draft Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) report released this month.
"Analysis of the data. . . shows consistently high "E coli" levels that significantly exceed both criteria set forth in Iowa's water quality standards for primary contact recreation," the reports says. "Significant reductions in "E coli" loading will be required to comply with the standards and fully support Duck Creek's designated recreational use."
High levels of Escherichia coli (E. coli) in a waterbody indicates the presence of potentially harmful bacteria and viruses, according to the report. Humans can become ill if they come into contact with and/or ingest water that contains such pathogens.
The report, Water Quality Improvement Plan for Duck Creek, will be the subject of two meetings Monday, Feb. 22. The first is at 1:30 p.m. at the Bettendorf Public Library Information Center, 2950 Learning Campus Drive. The second meeting, also on Monday, will be at 5:30 p.m. at the Scott County Administrative Center, 600 W. 4th St., Davenport.
"E coli" bacteria pollution of Duck Creek comes from "point" and "non-point" sources, the report says. Point sources include municipal storm water systems, municipal wastewater (sewage) treatment facilities and discharges from residential wastewater treatment and disposal systems. "Non-point" sources of bacteria include cattle with direct access to streams, manure applied to row crops, non-permitted wastewater (sewer) systems and natural sources such as wildlife.
The report will serve as a resource for guiding local water quality improvements in Duck Creek and will satisfy the Federal Clean Water Act requirement to develop a Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) for all federally impaired waterbodies.
As an impaired waterbody, Duck Creek is eligible for financial assistance to improve water quality. The report is intended to help guide watershed improvements to remove Duck Creek from the federal 303(d) list of impaired waters, the report said.
Those unable to attend the two upcoming meetings can submit their comments to:
Jeff Berckes, Iowa DNR, Wallace State Office Blg., 502 E. 9th St., Des Moines, IA 50319, or email him at: jeff.berckes@dnr.iowa.gov
