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What are potential sources of water-borne fecal contamination and fecal bacteria?
The
source or sources of fecal contamination at a beach are often not
known for certain because of the complex workings of wind, weather
and water patterns, in concert with the origin of fecal contamination,
warm-blooded animals. These animals include waterfowl (geese, sea
gulls, terns, etc.), wildlife (deer, beaver, rabbits, bear, etc.),
domesticated animals (horses, cows, pigs, etc.), pets (dogs, cats, etc.),
and humans.
Fecal contamination
can reach waterways through multiple methods, including direct deposition,
stormwater runoff that carries fecal matter from inland, failing
or leaking individual septic systems, sanitary sewer systems breakages
and overflows, improper diaper disposal, swimmer fecal accidents,
improper boat waste disposal, and much more.
