Waterborne Microbial Pollutants- Quantifying Background and Cattle Contributions on Rangeland Watersheds

Escherichia coli (E. coli) and fecal coliforms are fecal indicator bacteria (FIB) used as regulatory standards to protect human health from waterborne pathogens. Substantial debate exists over the relative contributions of FIB pollution to streams from various potential sources, including cattle, humans, and wildlife. This study is aimed at assessing the relative FIB contributions from various sources to surface waters on multiple use rangeland watersheds.

Kenneth W Tate, kwtate@ucdavis.edu

Professor and CE Specialist, UCD Plant Sciences Department