An Assessment of Coliform Bacteria in Water Sources Near Appalachian Trail Shelters Within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

A significant proportion of water sources near Appalachian Trail shelters within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park contain coliform bacteria, particularly during the summer season. The study found that 70% of samples tested positive for coliform bacteria and 60% for E. coli in summer, with colony-forming units (CFU) ranging up to 489 CFU/100 mL for coliforms and 123 CFU/100 mL for E. coli. Fall samples showed a lower prevalence, with only 43% positive for coliforms and 14% for E. coli, indicating seasonal variability in bacterial contamination. These findings suggest that water treatment is necessary to meet EPA drinking water safety standards (0 CFU/100 mL) during the summer months, highlighting an infectious disease risk for hikers and campers.

Reed, B. C., & Rasnake, M. S. (2016). An Assessment of Coliform Bacteria in Water Sources Near Appalachian Trail Shelters Within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Wilderness & Environmental Medicine, 27(1), 107–110. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wem.2015.09.019