INDICATOR ORGANISM SOURCES AND COASTAL WATER-QUALITY - A CATCHMENT STUDY ON THE ISLAND OF JERSEY

Compliance monitoring of bathing waters at La Greve de Lecq on the Nor th coast of Jersey revealed a significant deterioration in water quali ty between 1992 and 1993, as indexed by presumptive coliform, presumpt ive Escherichia coli and streptococci concentrations. During the 1993 bathing season the beach failed to attain the compliance with the EC G uideline criteria for presumptive E. coli and streptococci. A bacterio logical survey of the stream catchment draining to the beach revealed that: (i) concentrations of faecal indicator organisms were enhanced a t high discharge after rainfall; and (ii) a captive water fowl populat ion, which expanded between 1990 and 1993, was a potential source of f aecal pollution. Strategies for catchment management are discussed.