|
HOUMA, La. (AP) - Fecal coliform bacteria, found in human and animal waste, has grown to unsafe levels in some Terrebonne and Lafourche parish area bayous.
The bacteria get into local waterways because of nearby cattle farms, the high number of nutria that live in marshes and bayous, and from clogged septic systems at private homes.
The Department of Environmental Quality is spearheading an effort to study bacteria levels in Bayou Lafourche, which supplies much of Terrebonne and Lafourche with drinking water. Health officials advise against swimming in area bayous, particularly if you have cuts, scrapes or open sores.
|