Surface Water Intakes on Sugar Island, MI.
Is there a Potential Health Hazard
Bruce L. Buckley
Department of Biology and Chemestry
Lake Superior State University


Abstract


	From late May to early November, 1995, a well and surface
water  intake  survey  was  conducted  in  association  with  the
Chippewa County  Health Department, covering the St Mary's River
System, from Sault Ste Marie, MI to Lake Huron.  The purpose of
the survey was to locate and identify the wells and surface water
intakes  in  this  system, and map them using a Geographical
Positioning System (GPS) in order to examine how the ground and
surface water supplies are being utilized.  The area concerning
this study was concentrated on Sugar Island, Ml

	The survey was conducted as a door to door sampling of 71
Sugar Island residencies, located at various parts of the island
A brief interview with the resident was conducted, the well or
surface water intake was identified, its location was fixed using
satellite triangulation with the GSP unit, and in the case of a
surface water intake, a water sample was taken to determine if
the intake was contaminated.

	The samples were processed using the Colilert Test system to
determine if  coliform contamination  was indicated at each test
site.  This form of testing also indicates if fecal contamination
is present in the sample (Standard, 1989.).

	Nineteen surface water intakes were identified  and sampled
of these, 100% tested positive for coliform contamination, and 15
of 19, or 79% tested positive for fecal coliform contamination
which are coliforms derived from the intestine of warm-blooded
animals (Prescott, Harley and Klein, 1993).
	
         The  results of  the interviews  and water  testing indicate
that the frequency  of surface water  intakes on Sugar  Island is
relatively low; the water usage from the surface water intakes is
generally safe, however, drinking  water from these intakes which
has  not  been  disinfected  is  not  safe  and  the   danger of
gastrointestinal illness is  high and can be  considered a public
health hazard.

References

Prescott, Lansing M., J.P. Harley, and D.A. Klein, 1993,
Microbiology, second edition, Wm. C  Brown Communications,
Inc, Dubuque, Iowa, USA.

Standard Methods for Examination of Water and Wastewater.
18th edition.  APHA * AWWA * WPCF * Denver, Colorado (1989).