Howard Springs Nature Park: Synthesis of What We Know
Bacteria Counts in the Waterhole
The waterhole is monitored for bacterial contamination daily.
Below (Figure 5) is a graph of bacterial counts over the last decade. Readings above the red line are levels that are not safe for swimming. Readings below the red line are levels safe for swimming.
Figure 5: Bacterial counts at Howard Springs Nature Park waterhole
Bacterial contamination shows a definite seasonal pattern with long periods where water quality is not safe for swimming.
Figure 6 (below) shows bacteria levels over the course of six months. While there are short periods where swimming would be safe, they are not predictable.
