Middle Rio Grande Microbial Source Tracking

Biology, Biomedical, Paleontology, Bioremediation & Archaeology

Date posted: 08/13/09

Broad-scale E. coli investigations in New Mexico with testing for strains such as strain O157:H7 This Middle Rio Grande (MRG) Microbial Source Tracking Project was funded by the New Mexico Environmental Department, Albuquerque Metropolitan Arroyo Flood Control Authority, and Bernalillo County. The objective of this project was to identify specific sources of fecal coliform causing high levels of bacteria in the MRG. The three agencies recognized that this type of data was essential to provide water quality program managers and stakeholders the information necessary to target solutions for reducing fecal coliform concentrations/loadings within the surface waters of the study area. The study area lies within the MRG between Angostura Diversion Dam in southeastern Sandoval County to the Isleta Diversion Dam, at the northern border of Isleta Pueblo, a distance of approximately 42 river miles.