Relationship Between Fecal Bacteria and Water Quality Parameters in Plum Creek, Clearwater, MN.

A relatively small stretch of Plum Creek near Clearwater, MN is currently listed on the Upper Mississippi River Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) project by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) due to Escherichia Coli impairment. In 2008 the MPCA determined a 4 km stretch of creek exceeded Minnesota’s water quality standard for E. coli bacteria in streams, which is 126 organisms per 100 ml of water. Preliminary research suggests no common sources of fecal impairment (animal feedlots, septic systems, biosolids applications, etc.) near the study area. Furthermore, a source tracking test on water samples collected in 2015 tested negative for source-associated fecal gene biomarkers of ruminants, poultry and humans. Further research was needed to determine stream conditions associated with elevated concentration of E. coli in an effort to gain better understanding of fecal contaminant dynamics within Plum Creek. The objective of this study was to determine whether relationships existed between fecal bacteria and water quality parameters in Plum Creek during the summer of 2016. Five sampling sites were established and samples were taken every 1 - 2 weeks from June – September 2016. At each site, chemical and physical parameters such as pH, conductivity, dissolved oxygen, turbidity, and water temperature, were measured using a YSI Multiparameter Water Quality Monitor. This research will be combined with other studies on E. Coli in Plum Creek throughout the summer to assist local regulators on making cost-effecting mitigation efforts and improve water resources within the community.