Effect of waterfowl (Anas platyrhynchos) on indicator bacteria populations in a recreational lake Madison, Wisconsin

Abstract

A public swimming beach in Madison, wis., experienced intermittent high fecal coliform counts during the late summer and early fall of 1978. Public health officials closed the beach on a number of occasions. A public health survey identified a combination of waterfowl wastes and meteorological events as the explanation for the high bacteria counts. Fecal coliform bacteria were deposited by mallard ducks and multiplied in the beach sands. The bacteria were subsequently transported into the lake and resulted in high fecal coliform counts in the swimming area.