E. Coli DNA Found in Dubuque's Catfish Creek and Maquoketa River

A new report from the Telegraph Herald shows waterborne diseases exist in two popular local watersheds in Dubuque and nearby Maquoketa, IA.

Researchers from Drake University discovered that Dubuque's Catfish Creek and the Maquoketa River both tested positive for E. coli. This has not only raised alarm bells based on the research, but also brings into question the water quality in the eastern Iowa region and the state as a whole.

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About the E. Coli Findings:

Drake University researchers analyzed DNA within water samples taken from both primary and secondary channels in Catfish Creek and the Maquoketa River. Within the Catfish Creek channel, which includes various smaller beds of water that run through Dubuque, levels of E. coli DNA were higher than the Iowa DNR's standards for recreational water:

Between that and the Little Maquoketa River, when it’s nice out, you see gobs of people out there in canoes and kayaks. If everything in the watershed is draining to Mines of Spain, where a lot of people get in, [then] ‘impaired for recreational purposes’ is kind of the designation - Chuck Isenhart, director of the Dubuque Area Land and Water Legacy, per the Telegraph Herald

Where the Highest Levels of E. Coli DNA Exist in Dubuque:

A sample tested from Catfish Creek near Key Way Drive on Dubuque's west side showed extremely high levels of E. coli DNA. Something could potentially be leaking out of the sewers or storm drains. High concentrations of cattle DNA were found in some of the creeks south of Dodge Street as well, which could come from cropping manure.

One possible explanation for that is heavy rainfall causes spread manure to wash away and travel, perhaps falling into the creek as a result. Researchers recommended limiting cattle exposure to streams.

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What Can Be Done About E. Coli DNA?:

Isenhart suggested that legislation requiring septics to be inspected would be useful in preventing unwanted leakage into public watersheds. It would actively combat pollution as well. Read more about the Drake University research team's findings on the Telegraph Herald's website.