Understanding Escherichia coli and Water Quality in Stormwater Retention Ponds and Detention Basins in Fargo as Part of the Red River Watershed

Abstract

Little is known about the spatial and temporal changes in water quality and E. coli throughout stormwater systems. The objectives of this study are to: 1) assess surface water within detention basins and retention ponds and adjacent groundwater to determine E. coli movement within the system; 2) determine how precipitation events impact water quality and E. coli; and 3) genetically source track E. coli and pathogens to better understand the impact on humans. Methods of this study include sampling surface water during major storm events, followed by sampling of groundwater and surface water one week later. Additional samples were taken to assess E. coli. We concluded that E. coli quantities are high during storm events, often higher in detention basins compared to retention ponds, and E. coli is present but not consistent in groundwater.