Microbial data for \"Two risk assessments: Evaluating the use of indicator HF183 Bacteroides versus pathogen measurements for modelling recreational water risks in an urban watershed\"

Microbial data for the article \"Two risk assessments: Evaluating the use of indicator HF183 Bacteroides versus pathogen measurements for modelling recreational water risks in an urban watershed\". Surface water samples (n = 70) were collected in 2018 - 2020 at 7 sites near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA and were analyzed for pathogens and microbial source tracking markers by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Data were collected to characterize fecal sources of contamination and identify pathogen hazards to support an assessment of the risk posed to recreators for acute gastrointestinal illness from exposure to waterborne pathogens. Sites were on Cobbs Creek, Tacony Creek, and Wissahickon Creek. Analysis results are reported in gene copies per liter.