Interpretation of Laboratory Findings in Rural Spring Water Supplies

Abstract

Salamanders (Gyrinophilus porphyriticus, Desmognathus fuscus juscus) were the chief cause of contamination of spring water with Bacillus coli. 3 other spp. (Eurycea longicauda, E. bislineata, Desmognathus fuscus ochrophaeus) are occasionally found in springs. Salamanders were found as soon as the snow melted and remained until early summer. They were more abundant by night than by day. Salamanders marked with numbered tags were found to wander up and down streams for considerable distances and to go as far as 40 ft. from a spring. They are able to dig through shale for great distances. Salamanders continue to give off B. coli as long as their intestinal tracts contain material on which it will grow. 1 salamander yielded B. coli for 253 days. As many as 200 salamanders may live in 1 spring. The author proposes to control salamanders by eliminating their food supply for a distance of 100 ft. around each spring, by stripping off vegetation and soil which will enable insects and earthworms to live. Such areas should also be fenced off.