The Cacapon Institute recently released it’s 2014-2015 final report on Fecal Coliform Bacteria levels in the Sleepy Creek Watershed. Seven sites were sampled over the course of 15 months. The tests were done as a result of Sleepy Creek’s 2007 designation as an ‘impaired’ stream due to it’s high levels of Fecal Coliform Bacteria. These sites were sampled because the source of this pollution was thought to be coming from the estimated 6,400 homes in the watershed that were not connected to a treatment facility, (14.18% of which are thought to be failing).  Sleepy Creek has an ongoing septic system pumping and repair cost-sharing program through a 319 grant that we have implemented to help address this problem and dozens of homeowners have already taken advantage of these funds. (You can get the forms by going to the ‘Grant Awards’ category on the right.) Sleepy Creek Watershed Association is also helping to reduce runoff from rain events by planting trees along the creek to help buffer and absorb runoff into the stream.

Thanks to Cacapon Institute for their testing and laboratory expertise.

You can check out the entire Final Report by clicking here: