What We Know: The City of Ozark is warning people to avoid any activities in the Finley River until further notice.
The Problem: The Christian County Health Department has recently tested the quality of water in the Finley River and have found extremely high levels of E coli bacteria due to recent storms and flooding.
Test results indicate E coli concentrations greater than 2,419.6 Colony-Forming Units (CFU) per 100 milliliters of water which is roughly ten times higher than the recommended single-sample recreational water quality standard of 235 CFU/100 mL.
What It Means: E coli is a group of bacteria that normally lives in the intestines of humans and animals. While most strains are harmless, pathogenic strains produce toxins that can lead to irritation of the eyes, ears, throat and skin. It can also lead to stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting and watery diarrhea.
What’s Next: Further testing is currently in progress and the Christian County Health Department will inform us when levels are safe and we can once again enjoy the Finley River.
(Graphic courtesy of city of Ozark)