WSP03539

• File Number: 8407.400
• Description: Platte River Basin - River Basin General Publications - Nebraska
• State: NE
• Basin: South Platte
• Water Division: 1
• Date: 9/1/1968
• Author: Nebraska Soil and Wa
• Title: Nebraska State Water Plan - Big Blue River Basin - Appendix
• Water Supply Pro - Doc Type: Report/Study

O""~lOO
VII. ,lv

Blue River - Page 4

of the aerobic and facultative anaerobic Gram-negative nons pore-

forming bacilli which ferment lactose with a gas formation within

48 hours at 35 degrees Centegrade. The interpretation of the

M. P. N. Coliform count 1s difficult since nany of the species

of bacteria are common 5011 organisms. All sampling sta~lons

averaged M. P. N. Coliform count exceeded 25,000 and were often

ove r 100..000,

The measurement of fecal coliform has, in recent years, been

perfected to where it can be done on a routine basis 8!1d provide.:S"
A-
a more realistic indication of pollution by excret.. wastes.

Between February 26 and March 5, 1968) the fecal coliform count was

run on a series of samples collected rro~the Big Blue River and its

two principal tributaries. This period was chosen because earlier

studies had shown that the suspended sediment load is minirr~l at

this time of year. Figure 2 graphically shows the concentration of

fecal coliform inbhe Big Blue River and its two principal tributaries.

Many municipalities are contributing a heavy load of fecal coliform,

but the rive~ at present, has the ability to destroy the majority

of them by the time if reaches the Kansas line.

SUm!':lary

It would appear that at the present time, suspended sediment

(silt) 1s the number o~e polluta~t in the Big Blue River. A large

amount of municipal, industrial, and agricultural wastes are at
)
present, being discharged into the river. At present. it appears

that the river 15 able to assimulate most of these wastes. However.

it 1s doubtful that the river 1s capable of handling any large

addition waste discharge.especlally under low flow condition and high