Clean Water Starts With You: Join the Effort to Safeguard Flathead Lake
Rolling out of bed at the break of dawn to sample water quality around Flathead Lake requires more than just a good alarm clock, but Kaitlyn Webb is also passionate about environmental quality. Kaitlyn is the Lakers’ Big Sky Watershed Corps member and every Monday, from early July through Labor Day, you will find her wading into the lake to collect water samples at 16 popular swim beaches. Kaitlyn recently graduated from TCU with a degree in Environmental Science and is excited to be working along the shores of Flathead Lake. After circumnavigating the lake, she delivers the samples to the Flathead Lake Biological Station where they are tested for Escherichia coli (or E. coli). Sampling results are posted weekly on the Swim Guide (www.theswimguide.org).
Since 2018, the Flathead Lakers, in partnership with the Flathead Lake Biological Station, Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, and Montana FWP, has been monitoring water quality at public beaches around the lake. Water samples are tested for E. coli as it is simple to test and a good indicator of water quality. E. coli is present in the lower intestines of all warm-blooded animals and enters our waters through fecal contamination. Not all strains of E. coli posse health concerns, but some are pathogenic and high levels of E. coli can indicate the presence of more serious pathogens. When bacteria levels are
high, the risk of contracting a water-borne illness is higher for both humans and wildlife. (Note: Fish do not typically harbor E. coli as they are cold-blooded, but their gut contents can be contaminated from
contaminated waters, posing potential health risks if the fish are not properly handled and cooked before consumption.)
While we are fortunate that Flathead Lake is one of the cleanest lakes in the world, it is still at risk from bacterial contamination (particularly from untreated or poorly treated sewage) and some sampling sites
have shown elevated E. coli levels during the warm summer months. Fortunately, by working together, we can ensure that our beautiful lake waters stay swimmable, drinkable, and fishable for all! Here are a few simple actions you can take to protect Flathead Lake:
If you have a septic system, learn how it works and keep it properly maintained.
Clean up and dispose of pet waste properly so that it does not wash into waterways.
Follow good manure management practices if you keep livestock, so waste does not wash into
waterways.
Use sewage pump out stations for boats and RV’s, and never discharge sewage directly into
waterways.
Always use toilet facilities and properly dispose of diapers when enjoying the lake. Use swim
diapers for young children who are not reliably potty trained.
Avoid public swim areas if you are ill with symptoms including vomiting or diarrhea. (Do this
during illness and for 48 hours after symptoms have abated.)
Advocate that your local government meet high standards and utilize best technologies in
managing wastewater.
Support clean water and healthy ecosystem initiatives… become a member of the Flathead
Lakers!!!