SINCE DECEMBER 2012, there have been seven raw sewage spills into the Huron River. On August 29, 2013 there was sewage spill into the river at the spot where it runs through the Nichols Arboretum. The spill was not reported by the media until after it had been cleaned up and the water deemed safe, on August 31st.
The city’s canoe liveries were closed by facility supervisor Cheryl Saam on August 29th, but there were no warning signs posted at the city’s public docks or boat launches. As a result, between August 29th and August 31st people using their own boats, rafts and tubes continued to make the run between Argo and Gallup, directly through the area into which the raw sewage had been discharged—into water that was deemed unsafe for human contact.
When bacteria levels exceed state standards the likelihood of gastrointestinal illness, such as bacterial infections (cholera, salmonellosis), viral infections (hepatitis, gastroenteritis), or protozoa infections (cryptosporidiosis, giardiasis), increases. Once these pathogens are in a stream or lake, they can infect humans through ingestion and skin contact.
According to city officials, for the month of July 2013 there were 3,617 kayaks, 584 canoes and 135 rafts rented for the 3.7-mile Argo-to-Gallup river trip. There were also 946 kayaks and 170 canoes rented for the 5.7-mile Barton-to-Gallup river trip. The city also rented out 818 tubes for trips down the Argo Cascades in July.
These numbers reflect only the people who rented equipment. As the photo, right, shows people bring their own tubes and flotation devices to use in the Cascades, as well. In addition, despite the “No Swimming” signs posted along the path that parallels the Cascades, people use the Cascade’s drop pools as swimming holes. It is virtually impossible to run the Cascades and not get wet. People in tubes are immersed in the water as they shoot the rapids then float down river.
Not only are tens of thousands of residents and visitors coming into contact with river water, city officials are encouraging immersion in the water by renting sit atop kayaks, as well as tubes.
Is it safe to swim or come into contact with the Huron River water between Argo and Gallup Ponds, including immersion in the Cascades? No one knows for sure. Jennifer Lawson, who is the Water Quality Manager for the City of Ann Arbor, sent along her answer via email: “The surface water at Argo Pond in not tested for disease-causing microorganisms.”
The Huron River Watershed Council website warns that “high bacteria counts” have been detected in the river running through the Ann Arbor urban area between Argo and Geddes Ponds. The HRWC website also warns readers: “Bacteria counts rise following rain storms, so it is a good idea to refrain from swimming a couple days following rain.” Argo canoe livery is not closed following rain storms, tube rentals and sit atop kayak rentals are not suspended either.
Should Argo Pond surface water be tested daily between April and September?
“Absolutely,” says an MDEQ official.
MDEQ staff estimate that it would cost between $5,000 and $6,000 per year to run the tests.