Water Resources Research Act Program

Details for Project ID 2005MA52B

Sources of E. coli during Wet-Weather Events

Institute: Massachuseits
Year Established: 2005 Start Date: 2005-03-01 End Date: 2006-02-28
Total Federal Funds: $25,000 Total Non-Federal Funds: $35,163

Principal Investigators: Sarah Dorner

Abstract: Recent waterborne disease outbreaks in North America point to the need for watershed-based source water protection. However, information regarding the sources, survival and pathways of pathogens is not readily available for water managers. This investigation aims to monitor the fate and transport of E. coli at a watershed-scale in the Blackstone River watershed in Massachusetts.

The proposed research will provide a greater mechanistic understanding of the fate and transport of E. coli, a primary microbial indicator of water quality. The expected results of this investigation include a better understanding of the environmental factors leading to higher numbers of pathogenic microorganisms in rivers and streams, as well as more detailed information on potential sources of pathogens within a complex watershed. This study will provide water managers and regulators with reliable information to help them develop strategies for source water protection for drinking water and for other important uses of the watershed such as recreation.