Early last week, a team of researchers took samples of the spray coming from Drumheller Fountain to test for the presence of fecal coliform bacteria and E. coli.

“Occupational Health and Safety had concern over Drumheller Fountain and the ducks and geese,” said the project’s lead researcher Scott Meschke, an assistant professor in Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences. “They wanted to know if the waste in the water was being aerosolized from the fountain.”

The team collected 200 dishes of bacteria during three days, using a device specifically designed to capture and sample aerosolized droplets. Results from the sample will not be conclusive until the end of the week, and a report is expected for publishing within the next few weeks.

“It’s very tricky to get a good test from the spray without getting the bacteria from the air and dust,” said Charles Easterberg, public health advisor in the Department of Environmental Health and Safety.

In past tests of the fountain’s water, Meschke said several hundred thousand fecal coliform and several hundred E. coli bacteria have been found per 100 milliliters. Although most E. coli strains are harmless, the presence of the bacteria is used to measure potential health risks.

“I think the risk is very small,” said Meschke.

As of Friday, no E. coli colonies had grown from the samples. According to Meschke, when the water from the fountain becomes aerosolized, UV rays can inactivate or kill the bacteria.

The project, which began seven weeks ago, is the first accurate test of the aerosolized fountain water. Meschke had conducted a sampling for his environmental health class in the past, but the equipment used was inadequate.

“It was more of an odor issue,” said Stuart Cordts, Health and Safety Supervisor at UW. “One option was to install a chlorinator, but it’s expensive.”

Occupational Health and Safety decided to instead test the spray for potential health concerns before taking any action. Equipment, materials and personnel for the project cost an estimated $8,000, not including facility services charges.

If tests reveal the presence of potentially harmful bacteria, measures will be put in place to deal with the problem.

“Either we will not run the fountain or disinfect it in a hurry,” Easterberg said. “It will be like an outdoor swimming pool.”

Drumheller Fountain was added to Frosh Pond in 1961 as a gift for the UW’s centennial celebration from Regent Joseph Drumheller. It holds approximately one million gallons of water and is powered by electrical pumps. When running — eight hours a day, spring through fall — the fountain costs $55 per day to operate.

Some students haven’t considered what may be landing on their faces as they walk past the fountain.

“I can’t really say it’s a major concern to me,” said sophomore Freddy Lee. “I even saw a guy skateboard into it once, and he didn’t seem so perturbed.”

Reach reporter Emily Lee at news@dailyuw.com.