Local riverkeepers test recreational water sources around the Chattahoochee Valley

COLUMBUS, Ga. (WRBL) — You can’t tell by looking at it, but the Chattahoochee Riverkeepers test water in Weracoba Creek weekly.

Watershed Protection Specialist, Vanisha Strahota, says the group collects samples from over 300 locations along the Chattahoochee River. Samples collected by riverkeeper staff, interns and local volunteers reveal data on bacteria levels in and around the Chattahoochee River. Samples range from “meets water quality standards” to “failed to meet water quality standards.”

“Coliform and E.coli are great indicators of stream health,” Strahota explained. “And the reason why we look at those is because if you notice that there are high levels of total coliform or E.coli in the waterways, there could be other harmful potential pathogens also lurking in the water.”

The group often focuses on recreational areas that are popular for swimming and other water sports. Strahota pointed to the group’s swim guide and newly developed map feature that allows those participating in activities along the river, to be more informed.

“The main concern that we have for people is when there’s heavy rain events, heavy rain kind of flushes all the stormwater runoff off and into the waterways. And so you’ll notice that within 48 hours of heavy rain events, you’ll have very high E.coli levels in these waterways.” Strahota says.

The riverkeepers say that high levels of E. Coli can cause infections, especially in higher risk individuals (young children, elderly and immunocompromised people).

“The main symptoms you’ll see are GI upset, nausea, headaches — in some cases can be more extreme.” said Strahota.

She mentions that the Chattahoochee Riverkeeper organization has been around for nearly 30 years, and that testing along the river has come a long way.

“We are still vigilant in these issues that are occurring , there are still problems we need to work on, and when we have those issues, we contact the appropriate entities that we need to.”

To get involved with the riverkeepers or to find data on water collection locations near you, visit their website.