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EPA is carrying out extensive sampling of standing flood waters in the City of New Orleans. The Agency follows a quality assurance process that ensures that the data is thoroughly reviewed and validated. This process is being used for all data received as part of the emergency response. EPA is ensuring coordination of data between federal, state, and local agencies and will routinely release data as soon as it is available.
Biological testing: total coliforms and E. coli
The samples are being analyzed for total coliforms and E. coli. These bacteria are commonly found in high numbers in the feces of humans and other warm-blooded animals. Finding total coliforms and E. coli in a water sample indicates the potential presence of pathogens and therefore a risk of illness or infection by being exposed to the feces-contaminated water. EPA and CDC have agreed that examining water samples for pathogens, such as Vibrio cholera, Shigella, E.coli 0157 or Salmonella would not be useful at this time.
More specifically, pathogens will not be determined at this time because:
• Pathogens are difficult to grow in the laboratory, especially in highly contaminated surface waters.
• Finding one pathogen will not predict the risk from other pathogens.
• Finding pathogens in standing water will not affect how imminent risk is presented to the public or how decisions are made.
• Wastewater from a large population is expected to contain enteric pathogens, therefore, identifying the presence of fecally-contaminated water will give a broader risk perspective than detecting specific pathogens.
The sampling effort devoted to measuring total coliforms and E. coli will be more effective if a large number of samples are tested and the results are applied to warning the public about risks associated with contact with contaminated floodwaters.
Based on the sampling, emergency responders and the public should avoid direct contact with standing water when possible. In the event contact occurs, EPA and CDC strongly advise the use of soap and water to clean exposed areas if available. Flood water should not be swallowed and all mouth contact should be minimized and avoided where possible. People should immediately report any symptoms to health professionals. The most likely symptoms of ingestion of flood water contaminated with bacteria are stomach-ache, fever, vomiting and diarrhea. Also, people can become ill if they have an open cut, wound, or abrasion that comes into contact with water contaminated with certain organisms. One may experience fever, redness, and swelling at the site of the infection and should see a doctor right away if possible.
Test results Biological testing Sep. 3-10, 2005
Chemical testing
EPA in coordination with the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality performed chemical sampling of New Orleans flood waters for over one hundred priority pollutants such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), semivolatile organic compounds (SVOCs), total metals, pesticides, herbicides, and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Concentrations of lead in the flood water exceeded EPA drinking water action levels. These measured levels are a concern if flood water were to be a child's source of drinking water.
Flood water sampling data for chemicals from September 4 and September 6, 2005 are now available for public review. Data from September 5 is now undergoing review and validation. The data will be posted as soon as this process is complete. Hexavalent chromium and arsenic, in addition to lead which was previously detected on September 3rd, were detected at levels which exceeded EPA drinking water standards. These compounds would pose a risk to children only if a child were to drink a liter of flood water a day. Long-term exposure (a year or longer) to arsenic would be required before health effects would be a concern. Thallium was detected at one sampling location and while levels are slightly elevated, they are 10 times lower than levels at which there would be a health effect.
Based on the sampling, emergency responders and the public should avoid direct contact with standing water when possible. In the event contact occurs, EPA and CDC strongly advise the use of soap and water to clean exposed areas if available. Flood water should not be swallowed and all mouth contact should be minimized and avoided where possible. People should immediately report any symptoms to health professionals. The most likely symptoms of ingestion of flood water contaminated with bacteria are stomach-ache, fever, vomiting and diarrhea. Also, people can become ill if they have an open cut, wound, or abrasion that comes into contact with water contaminated with certain organisms. One may experience fever, redness, and swelling at the site of the infection and should see a doctor right away if possible.
Additional information regarding health and safety issues for both the public and emergency responders can be found on the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Web site (http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/hurricanes/index.asp) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Web site (http://www.osha.gov/OshDoc/hurricaneRecovery.html).
Test results
Chemical testing Sep. 3, 2005
Chemical testing Sep. 4, 2005
Chemical testing Sep. 6, 2005