No Project associated with this Finding

Fecal Indicator Bacteria include bacterial groups that may signal recent fecal matter contamination. These bacteria include E. coli, fecal coliforms (a group of bacteria commonly found in the intestines of animals), and total coliforms (a larger group of bacteria consisting of those found in animal intestines and naturally occurring in soil). Some of these bacteria may be pathogenic, and contact with these bacteria may cause illness in some individuals. The University of Nevada, Reno, was contracted by the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency to collect weekly samples to be analyzed for bacterial quantities at eight Lake Tahoe beaches (Baldwin Beach, Kings Beach, Meeks Bay, Tahoe City Commons, Nevada Beach, Nevada Dog Beach, Round Hill Pines, Sand Harbor) during peak summer visitation. Water quality parameters were also measured during the collection of the bacterial samples, and beach usage was estimated. Using the statistical methods employed by each state to determine compliance with the E. coli standard, only one beach, Tahoe City Commons, was out of compliance for one week during the ten-week sampling period. All other beaches during the sampling period were in compliance.