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

Conclusions Environmental Protection Agency drinking water standards set the standard of 0 CFU/100 mL to be considered safe. This analysis of water samples along the Appalachian Trail emphasizes that the majority of water access points require treatment during the summer season. Coliform burden was not as high through the fall months. These data suggest one infectious disease risk for wilderness travelers.
Source: Wilderness and Environmental Medicine - Category: Environmental Health Source Type: research