The testing results of Lake Panamoka shown above are far below the acceptable levels.  By NYS law, it is acceptable to have 1,000 fecal coliform bacteria per 100 mL of water.

Coliforms are a type of bacteria that are always present in the digestive tracts of animals, including humans.  Most coliform bacteria do not cause disease.  They are also found in animal wastes, plant and soil materials.  The presence of disease-carrying pathogens is indirectly tested by monitoring the presence of coliform bacteria, which are an indicator organism.  Total coliforms include bacteria that are found in soil, in surface water, and in human or animal waste.  Fecal coliforms come specifically from the gut and feces of warm-blooded animals.

Sources:

http://www.health.ny.gov/environmental/water/drinking/coliform_bacteria.htm

http://www.health.ny.gov/regulations/nycrr/title_10/part_6/subpart_6-2.htm

http://www.epa.gov/ogwdw/disinfection/tcr/pdfs/stepguide_tcr_smallsys-3300.pdf

Current Test Results:

Older Test Results:

Lake Panamoka Water Testing Results from Summer 2013