Anglers Confused About Eating Fish After Flooding
Posted: August 12, 2008

The chance that bacteria in a lake or river can contaminate fish is as likely as the Pittsburgh Steelers winning the World Series. It simply cannot happen.

But the confusion is understandable given the number of mixed messages Iowa anglers receive about the contamination in Iowa rivers after the number of wastewater treatment plants were knocked off-line during the floods last summer, said John Olson, environmental specialist with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources Watershed Monitoring and Assessment Section.

"This issue comes up every so often and I can't stress enough that bacteria in the water and the wholesomeness of fish are not related," Olson said. "Assuming you clean and cook the fish properly, bacteria is a non issue."

Anglers in parts of Iowa that experienced long periods of floodwaters taking wastewater treatment plants off-line have been asking if it is safe to eat fish caught from those rivers where the plants are releasing the sewage.

"It's just a non issue. Bacteria in water does not accumulate in fish flesh. There is no reason for someone who catches some catfish at Palisades-Kepler to not take them home and eat them," Olson said. "Based on results of historical fish contaminant monitoring in and downstream from Cedar Rapids, those fish are safe to eat."

Iowa DNR plans to conduct additional fish contaminant monitoring downstream from Cedar Rapids in 2008 as part of the annual DNR/U.S. EPA fish contaminant monitoring program. Anglers should also be aware that fish in all types of waters can sometimes develop diseases and may become infested with parasites. Again, common sense says that fish showing signs of obvious health problems should not be eaten.

Paul Sleeper, fisheries biologist for the district that includes Cedar Rapids, said the constant stream of messages about bacteria levels and sewage has many people scared of the water. What people need to realize is, there is always bacteria in the water regardless of the conditions, Sleeper said.

"Fish are safe to eat. Just use a little common sense. Wash your hands after handling fish regardless of the body of water. Always take a shower after swimming in a lake or river. We always make those recommendations," Sleeper said.

Olson said Iowa consumption advisories are issued for toxic substances that tend to accumulate in fish flesh including metals, pesticides and PCBs. Mercury is the main cause for issuing consumption advisories in Iowa and for advisories nationwide.

"Iowa's current advisories are not a ban on consumption but are recommendations that a person should consume no more than one meal per week of that fish species," he said. "There are no fish consumption advisories for bacteria in Iowa or in other states." A list of the current fish consumption advisories in Iowa can be found at the Iowa DNR's web site at http://www.iowadnr.com/fish/news/consump.html.