1. Columbia County: Environmental Health Impact of TS Debby in North Florida: An Observational Study Concerning Levels of Total Coliform Bacteria and E. coli in Water Supply Systems by David H Boniche

2. Background: Tropical Storm Debby June 23-June 27, 2012 Mean Rainfall: 15 inches Flash Flooding $20 million damage in Columbia County, FL Potential Negative Impacts on Floridian Aquifer and Water Supply Systems Source: Hydrometeorological Prediction Center, July 2012,. Author: David Roth.

3. Background: FL Water Supply Systems DEP: Community Water Systems, Transient- Non Community, and Non-Transient Non- Community (SDWA)(80%). DOH: Limited-Use (381.0062 F.S/ Ch. 64E-8 F.A.C) Unregulated: Private Wells (Single-Family)

4. Objectives Assess the impact between a natural disaster (TS Debby) and the potential environmental health effects (water quality in drinking water supply systems). Analyze the stability of drinking water supply systems with a special emphasis on the vulnerability of Private Wells towards contamination when faced with a natural disaster (such as TS Debby).

5. Methods: Total Coliform Bacteria and E coli Test Observational Study of Archived and Ongoing Coliform Test Data in Columbia and Nearby Counties. Sample sets: -January 9, 2012- November 1, 2012 (all supply types) (n = 4,714) -Period involving TS Debby (June 25, 2012 – August 16, 2012; only private wells) (n =1,338) -First-time submissions of private wells during the period involving TS Debby. (n = 527)

6. Methods: Standard Method #9223 B

9. Methods Coliform Test compared with Spatial Data: Rainfall Dispersion, Recharge Potential, and Flood Zones (ArcGIS Geocoding)

16. Results: Total Coliform and E coli Supply TypeSample Number Failure rateE coli Private28%45%7% CWS18%2%0% 2012: n = 4,714 8 week Period (TS Debby): n = 1,338 Supply TypeSample Number Failure rateE coli Private52%56%10% CWS12%1.7%0% 8 Week Period (TS Debby) (First-Time): n = 527 Supply TypeFailure rateE coli Private55%11.9%

17. Discussion High rates of contamination align with areas of high rates of sample submissions Observational Study: data is a function of sample submissions

18. Discussion Strengths: Coliform Test, Inspiration for Future Studies Limitations: Premature Negatives, Observational Study

19. Implications: MPH Competencies Applying laws and regulations that protect health and ensure safety Specify approaches for assessing, preventing, and controlling environmental hazards that pose risks to human health and the environment.

20. Acknowledgements John Lednicky (University of Florida) Sallie Ford (Columbia County Health Dept) Paul Muller (Columbia County Health Dept) Megan Wetherington (Suwannee River Water Mgt District) Bebe Willis (Suwannee River Water Mgt District)

21. Thank You