Our results only represent a small bottle full of water just below the surface at one instant in time in a large river that is constantly changing. River conditions fluctuate on daily and seasonal cycles. They change dramatically during rain events or pollution events. Generally you will observe that through the hot, dry spells of summer, the results don’t really change a whole lot week to week. However, if it rains after we collect a sample, river conditions will certainly change. Typically they change for the worse, and the extent to which they worsen depends on a lot of factors particular to each site (some sites worsen dramatically, other sites only worsen a small amount). Unfortunately we only have the resources to monitor each of these sites one day a week. We cannot guarantee that water quality conditions are similar to our posted results beyond the date, time, and location at which our samples were collected. You can help us collect more samples by donating to Coosa Riverkeeper! This program is made available to the general public only because of our sponsors, foundations, and dues-paying members. Thank them by joining them!

Water quality can be compromised due to agricultural runoff, overflowing sewers, and/or failing septic systems. If results in a particular area are consistently high, our Field Team researches and investigates the issue to determine if there is  point source or non-point source pollution. We do this work because our state agencies are not required to conduct consistent water quality monitoring on inland lakes and streams.

Most importantly, don’t swim in a stream contaminated with fecal matter. If you have open cuts or scrapes or nasty bug bites, you should be extra mindful of making contact with river water. Additionally, because bacteria levels are higher after a rain event, you should exercise more caution for several days after a big rain. Remember, if it has rained since we took our last sample, odds are bacteria levels are now higher than the posted results.

No. Neither the Alabama Department of Environmental Management nor the Alabama Department of Public Health conduct this type of water quality monitoring program. While this type of testing is performed by the State on our coastal beaches in the Gulf, it is not performed on inland freshwater lakes and streams. We think that’s a shame, so we’re spending our Thursdays in the summer testing your favorite swimmin’ holes to let you know how they are!

Water quality can be compromised due to heavy rains causing agricultural runoff, overflowing sewers, and/or failing septic systems. Our alerts are issued based on the EPA Recreational Water Quality Guidelines and we use the same system as our state agency to conduct our bacteriological tests. Water quality conditions change frequently so swim with caution and follow our recommendations for swimming safely! If results in a particular area are consistently high, our Field Team researches and investigates the issue.

Water clarity is not a good indicator of water quality! For example, a creek could be very turbid (meaning that it looks like chocolate milk) and have very low bacteria levels, while another creek could be crystal clear and have elevated levels of bacteria due to stormwater runoff, sewer overflows, or agricultural runoff. Coosa Riverkeeper’s Swim Guide answers the question “is it safe to swim here?” by providing consistent, reliable, and free water quality information to families all summer long.

You can help by supporting our work financially. You can also really help by spreading the word! Share this page on Facebook or other social media with your friends and fellow river rats.

Our algae monitoring program utilizes visual analysis for Swim Guide and Chemical data analysis for largescale intensives on each major reservoir along the Coosa Chain! Algae Sites for Swim Guide are chosen using multiple parameters, the first and most important of which being its popularity for swimming. Environmentally, Algae sites are chosen if they fit four main parameters: The site is shallow, warm, slow moving, and nutrient loaded. Samples are collected using a 100ml bottle, put into a cooler with ice for transport, and then visually analysed using our house microscope. There are 5 main target species that we look for, Microcystis, Dolichospermum, Planktothrix, Aphanizomenon, and Raphidiopsis.

Just like people need oxygen to breathe, fish and other aquatic life rely on oxygen in the water to survive. Dissolved oxygen comes from the atmosphere and from underwater plants during photosynthesis, and healthy rivers usually have higher DO levels, especially in areas with flowing water. When DO levels drop too low—often due to pollution, algae blooms, or warm, slow-moving water—it can cause stress or even death for fish and other organisms. This can lead to fish kills and disrupt the balance of our river. For anglers, low DO means fish may avoid certain areas or become less active, which can make them harder to catch and affect the quality of fishing. Monitoring DO helps us better protect fish habitats, support healthy aquatic life, and give anglers better insight into where fish might be thriving.

You can help by supporting our work financially. You can also really help by spreading the word! Share this page on Facebook or other social media with your friends and fellow river rats.

Document any fish kills with photographs and immediately report to Coosa Riverkeeper (205-981-6565 or [email protected]), ADCNR (1-800-272-4263), or Alabama Power Shoreline Management (205-257-2599).