Reconnaissance for selected pathogens, and review of pertinent literature, for the New River Gorge National River, West Virginia, 2000

Giardia and enteric viruses were detected in a reconnaissance study of Madam Creek and Dunloup Creek, two tributaries of the New River Gorge National River, in 2000. Cryptosporidium and pathogenic bacteria were not detected in these tributaries. The two streams were identified in previous studies as consistently having some of the highest indicator-bacteria concentrations among New River Gorge tributaries. This study used the best available commercial methods for identifying and enumerating pathogens. However, these methods were developed for regular monitoring at water-treatment facilities or documenting the causes of disease outbreaks, and provided ambiguous results when used in this occurrence study. The World Health Organization suggests a study design for monitoring recreational waters. Frequent sampling for multiple fecal indicator organisms is the recommended first step. Regression modeling that uses environmental characteristics measurable in real time to predict bacteria concentrations and make operational decisions is recommended for contaminated waters.