As parts of the Midwest and East Coast were recently hit with floods, concerns over mold growth and contamination have been on the minds of many flood victims. However, a recent case in Cumberland County, New Jersey recently brought to light that mold is not the only concern after a flood. The Cumberland County Courthouse in Bridgeton, New Jersey was recently flooded after torrential rainfall. Samples taken shortly after the flood water receded came back positive for E. coli and fecal coliforms. Both of these types of bacteria are commonly associated with human sewage and animal waste and likely came into the courthouse with the flood waters.

E. coli can make individuals extremely sick and certain types may even cause death while fecal coliforms are used as an indicator that additional pathogens may be present. Other waterborne diseases commonly associated with fecal contamination include dysentery, hepatitis A and other dangerous diseases.

In March of this year a new test to determine the presence of fecal or sewage contamination was introduced by EMSL Analytical. EMSL Analytical is one of the nation’s largest environmental testing laboratories and this new method was based upon research conducted for the EPA for total Bacteroides.

“EMSL has always been on the forefront of offering the latest testing solutions,” reported Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing for EMSL Analytical, Inc. “Flood victims need to be aware of contaminants such as bacteria and chemicals after a flood in addition to concerns over mold growth,” he continued.

The new test can be performed on numerous matrices and results can be obtained in a matter of hours, not days.