Lead and E. coli bacteria counts high in New Orleans floodwaters, warns EPA
Floodwaters from multiple locations across the New Orleans area were sampled by EPA and analyzed for chemicals and bacteria this week, according to an agency press release. Preliminary information indicates that bacteria counts for E. coli in sampled areas greatly exceed EPA's recommended levels for contact. At these levels, human contact with water should be avoided, reports EPA.
Initial results are the beginning of extensive sampling efforts and do not represent the condition of all floodwaters throughout the area, according to EPA.