Another Flood Watch Issued For San Juan County This Weekend, San Juan Public Health Confirms E. Coli in San Juan River

The National Weather Service in Grand Junction Colorado has issued a flood watch in San Juan County for the weekend. 

The service notes with one to three inches of rain expected from Sunday morning through Monday morning over soils that are still saturated from recent rainfall and flooding.

Excessive runoff could result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, recently burned areas and other low-lying and flood-prone locations.

In addition San Juan Public Health confirmed E. coli levels in the San Juan River are above health-based thresholds.

That comes after testing by San Juan County Public Health and the Utah Department of Environmental Quality indicating the possibility of other harmful pathogens in the water.

The health department advises residents to avoid contact with the river until further notice.

E. coli can remain in wet environments for several weeks.

Children and families should stay away from the river and affected floodwater.

Livestock and pets should not be allowed to enter or drink potentially contaminated river

water, with additional recommendations to avoid recreational contact, and to not use untreated river water for drinking, cooking, washing or household purposes.

The release from the public health department further states that people may become ill after swallowing contaminated water or using it to wash hands or food.

Children, pregnant women and individuals with weakened immune systems may be

especially vulnerable to certain waterborne illnesses. 

Symptoms may appear 1 to 4 days after exposure and can include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, fever and rash.

Anyone experiencing symptoms after possible exposure should contact a healthcare

provider.

Individuals assisting with flood recovery should protect open wounds from contaminated water, practice proper hand hygiene and wear appropriate personal protective equipment, such as gloves, eye protection and mouth coverings as needed. 

Recovery workers should also ensure their tetanus vaccinations are current.

San Juan County Public Health urges residents to follow these precautions and monitor official updates.

More information available here:

San Juan County Public Health, (435) 587-3838, publichealth@sanjuancountyut.gov

Utah DEQ recreational water quality: https://deq.utah.gov/dwq/recreational-water-quality