Water and Drought
Beach Water and Bacteria
St. Simons Island area beaches had begun testing high for enterococcus bacteria levels, resulting in frequent beach postings and closures. Local officials were at a loss to determine the cause of the problem and were reviewing a proposed study which would cost tax payers $150,000. Glynn County 4-H'ers intervened and devised a study – dubbed the Orange-Tide Study – which used oranges, GPS and advanced mapping software to track marsh and tidal creek flows. The goal was to track marsh tidal creek flow of three island creeks, assist local officials in narrowing in on possible sources for the bacteria, and develop plans to promote community education and change. Over a nine-month period, Glynn County 4-H'ers conducted three extensive phases of the Orange-Tide Study, garnering local support from residents, local officials, the Marine Extension Service, and the DNR (Coastal Resource Division). During the course of the study, 4-H'ers also identified a secondary source of beach water pollution – pet waste. Students designed a pet clean-up bag dispenser and urged enforcement of county ordinances governing pets on the beach. Orange-Tide study results isolated the bulk of the high bacteria levels to a specific tidal creek and local officials were then able to pinpoint and begin addressing specific point sources. The pet clean-up bag dispenser designed by the students was adopted by the county, and prototypes have been installed on local beaches. There has been marked improvement in both beach water quality and appearance, and beach postings have decreased. Students received valuable experience and training in the field of scientific study and the use of technology. Perhaps most importantly, they realized they could make a difference in their community. The 4-H'ers earned state, national and international recognition for their efforts. (2006)
Source
| Name | Department | |
| Roberta Gray | robigray@uga.edu | Glynn County Extension agent |