Reduce Pathogens

Reduce pathogens and increase monitoring to protect water quality and human health, ensuring safe recreational and commercial use.

Pathogens—harmful bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms—remain a public health concern in both coastal and inland waters. These contaminants can enter waterways through polluted runoff from developed areas, leaking sewer infrastructure, and failing septic or on-site wastewater treatment systems. When pathogen levels are elevated, public health agencies may close beaches or restrict shellfish harvesting to reduce risk to people. 

To monitor water quality, the Partnership tests for indicator bacteria, such as Enterococcus. While these bacteria aren’t necessarily harmful on their own, their presence suggests that other, more dangerous pathogens may be in the water as well. 

This objective focuses on reducing pathogen pollution by improving wastewater and stormwater infrastructure and supporting better management of on-site treatment systems.

Actions

• Evaluate and improve wastewater and stormwater infrastructure and support upgrades or sewer connections of inadequate onsite wastewater treatment systems in the LIS coastal watershed boundary.
• Expand the location and frequency of sampling and source tracking and encourage advancements in methodology. 

Programs