Where does E. coli come from?
In surface waters, E. coli presence is attributed to fecal contamination from agricultural lands and other urban and residential areas. Fecal contamination can come from untreated sewage or feces from animals such as wildlife, waterfowl, domestic pets, and farm livestock. One well known cause in Burlington is dog poop.
Bacteria counts in bodies of water tend to be highest just after storm events because rainwater runoff transports bacteria into the lake. During large storm events, water caught in storm drains may overflow into the lake before it can be treated at a sewage treatment plant.
Link:
Scoop the Poop Campaign
