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As climate change continues to stress freshwater resources, we have a pressing need to identify alternative (non-traditional) sources of microbially safe water for irrigation of fresh produce. This study is part of the center CONSERVE, which aims to facilitate the adoption of adequate agricultural water sources. A 26-month longitudinal study was conducted at 11 sites to assess the prevalence of bacteria indicating water quality, fecal contamination and crop contamination risk (Escherichia coli, total coliforms (TC), Enterococcus, Aeromonas). Sites included non-tidal freshwater rivers/creeks (NF), a tidal brackish river (TB), irrigation ponds (PW) and reclaimed water sites (RW). Water samples were filtered for bacterial quantification. E. coli, TC and enterococci (∼86%, 98% and 90% positive, respectively; n=333), and Aeromonas (∼98% positive; n=133) were widespread in water samples tested. Highest E. coli counts were in rivers, TC counts in TB rivers and enterococci in rivers and ponds (all p<0.001), compared to other water types. Aeromonas counts were consistent across sites. Seasonal dynamics were detected in NF and PW samples only. E. coli counts were higher in the vegetable crop-growing (May-October) than non-growing (November-April) season in all water types (p<0.05). Only one RW and both PW sites met the US Food Safety Modernization Act water standards. However, implementation of recommended mitigation measures of allowing time for microbial die-off between irrigation and harvest would bring all other sites into compliance within two days. This study provides comprehensive microbial data on alternative irrigation water and serves as an important resource for food safety planning and policy-setting. Importance Increasing demands for fresh fruit and vegetables, a variable climate impacting agricultural water availability and microbial food safety goals are pressing the need to identify new, safe, alternative sources of irrigation water. Our study generated microbial data collected over a two-year period from potential sources of irrigation (rivers, ponds and reclaimed water sites). Pond water was found to comply with Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) microbial standards for irrigation of fruit and vegetables. Bacterial counts in reclaimed water, a resource that is not universally allowed on fresh produce in the US, generally met microbial standards or needed minimal mitigation. We detected the most seasonality and the highest microbial loads in river water, which emerged as the water type that would require the most mitigation to be compliant with established FSMA standards. This dataset represents one of the most comprehensive, longitudinal analysis of alternative irrigation water sources in the United States.

In the last several decades, Maryland’s Eastern Shore has seen significant declines in groundwater levels. While this area is not currently experiencing drought conditions or water scarcity, this research represents a proactive approach.

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