(7) Volunteer Monitoring of E. coli in Upper Midwest Streams: A Hands-on Workshop

Session: Skills building workshop - Concurrent Session IV

Bacterial contamination of surface waters is a common public health concern. Laboratory analyses can be expensive, yet such monitoring is important to ensure safe recreational opportunities. In 2004, volunteer monitoring programs in six upper Midwestern states initiated a three year USDA-funded project to evaluate five test methods for monitoring E. coli bacteria which are suitable for home use.  The methods were evaluated both by comparing results to laboratory analyses of E. coli, and by assessing volunteer preferences in using the methods.  After a year of study, two test methods were chosen to be used by all participating states based on cost of the test methods and results of volunteer preference surveys and comparisons of results with laboratory results.  A comprehensive training program was developed and used in all six states to streamline training for the participating volunteers.  This ensured that volunteers were provided with both sufficient background information about E. coli bacteria, as well as comparable hands-on learning opportunities to become skilled with sampling techniques and monitoring methods.  The training was evaluated and modified over three years to best meet participants’ needs and to allow project goals to be accomplished most effectively.

This three hour workshop will provide participants with this refined training so they can later utilize it in their respective states.  The training will include an introduction to E. coli monitoring, including its importance and relevance to water-based recreational activities.  Participants will gain an understanding of how and where to collect water samples. Hands-on training will be provided using Coliscan Easygel and 3M Petrifilm methods. Participants will practice quantifying pre-prepared plates and also learn incubation and proper disposal procedures. Recording and calculating data will also be covered.

Each participant will be given a copy of the Citizens Monitoring Bacteria manual.

Kris Stepenuck
University of Wisconsin-Extension and Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
445 Henry Mall Room 202
Madison, WI, 53706
Phone: 608-265-3887
Fax: 608-262-2031
kfstepenuck@wisc.edu

Barb Liukkonen
University of Minnesota
173 McNeal Hall
1985 Buford Ave
St. Paul, MN, 55108
Phone: 612-625-9256
Fax: 612-625-1263
liukk001@umn.edu

Jerry Iles
Ohio State University Extension - South Centers
1864 Shyville Road
Piketon, OH, 45661
Phone: 740-289-2071 X116
Fax: 740-289-4591
iles.9@osu.edu

Lois Wolfson
Michigan State University
#115 Manly Miles Bldg
East Lansing, MI, 48824
Phone: 517-353-9222
Fax: 517-353-1812
wolfson1@msu.edu