Pollution and contamination caused by human actions frequently poses health risks to people who foolishly drink untreated water from streams, lakes, or rivers of the Northern Yosemite region.
 To determine where pollution poses risks, CSERC staff has engaged in water quality sampling in two distinct areas. First, in the mountains, CSERC applies State Water protocols to test for total coliform, fecal coliform, and E. coli - all of which are potentially harmful types of bacteria. When present at high levels, E. coli in particular poses high risk to recreating forest visitors. Down in the foothills, CSERC staff has cooperated with other concerned citizens to take water quality samples in numerous streams around Twain Harte, Sonora, and other locations where septic tanks and pollutants from road run-off causes contamination.
 The bottom line for all of CSERC's water related work is that water resources do not belong to humans alone. Water is precious for life and for the complex web of species and habitats that make up the mountain ecosystem. Humans have a responsibility to care for the planet and this region -- including the vital water resources that provide such high value for so many uses.
For CSERC's Water Sampling Reports from 2009, 2010, and 2011, link here
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