Reducing bacterial contamination of waterways: Use of best management practices is the key strategy for dairy producers

摘要

NATIONALLY, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has identified 41,173 impaired waters for not having met water quality standards. The top three causes of impairment are pathogens, metals (other than mercury), and nutrients. Frequently, livestock are targeted by EPA as a potential cause for both pathogens and nutrients in these watersheds. The following table shows the number of impaired waters during 2011 in the top 10 milk producing states.