BacteriALERT Program provides post-storm data for metro river park

Managed by the U.S. Geological Survey, National Park Service and CRK, the BacteriALERT Program provides water quality data from two locations within the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area (CRNRA) – Paces Ferry Bridge near Vinings and Medlock Bridge near Norcross.

Water samples are collected and analyzed weekly on Thursdays for total coliform and Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria in the river, and results are posted on a publicly accessible website within 24 hours of data collection. This website also provides predictions of E. coli bacteria concentrations in “real-time” using turbidity which is measured continuously and has a correlation to bacteria.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recommends that health advisories be posted when E. coli levels exceed 235 colonies per 100 ml. After heavy storms such as those we have experienced recently in metro Atlanta and north Georgia, it is not unusual for bacteria levels to be 10-30 times the recommended level due to polluted storm runoff, cracked sewer lines and septic systems. Typically, bacteria levels subside dramatically within a few days after a rain event and once the water is no longer muddy or turbid.

The BacteriALERT Program was initiated within the CRNRA in 2000 as a public-private partnership between state and federal agencies and non-profit organizations. Learn more about CRK’s water monitoring programs here.

Registration is open for 11th annual River Race!

Paddlers of all ages and skill levels will take to the water on Saturday, June 15, for the 11th Annual Back to the Chattahoochee River Race & Festival. Registration is now open.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP!

The race is organized and presented in partnership with the National Park Service and the city of Roswell. It begins at 9 a.m. at Garrard Landing Park on Holcomb Bridge Road and includes competitive and recreational categories for Kayaks, Canoes and Stand Up Paddle Boards. This 8-mile course includes exciting Class I rapids and concludes at Riverside Park, the site of the free family-friendly festival, music and awards presentation.

The free festival is at Roswell’s Riverside Park from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., is a family-friendly event with live music, food, children's activities and environmental exhibitors. Our music lineup features Jimmy Hall and Friends, with the lead singer of Georgia Music Hall of Fame inductee Wet Willie ("Keep On Smilin'"); the Women of Rock trio of Caroline Aiken, Diane Durrett and Donna Hopkins; and the Music Matters "Rock U" Bands! Visit the event page for more info here, and check out highlights from last year's event!

Busy spring in store for West Point Lake Region

The West Point Lake Region will warm up this spring with lots of fun and informative events. We opened our office in LaGrange in 2011 and have been growing steadily ever since, and our events are growing accordingly. We've already hosted the LaGrange College Water Conservation Forum on April 16 as well as the Wild & Scenic Film Festival on (April 23).

We also rescheduled the start of our Watershed Outings program, the Shoal Lily Viewing Walk, for on Sunday, May 26 (see below). Future events in the area include our 2nd Annual Clean Water Festival at Yellowjacket Creek Beach (pictured, June 1) and the Wolfe Farm Tour (June 3).

Check out our Events calendar for more details.

Warmer weather brings our 2013 Outings Program

While this year's 2013 Outings Program includes the usual paddle trips (including our River Discovery Series), overnight paddle trips, and paddle cleanups, we've added Watershed Outings. These are staff-led hikes and other excursions that bring you up close and personal to our amazing watershed. First up: a hike on Saturday, May 26, to view the beautiful and rare spider lilies along Flat Shoals Creek in Harris County, led by CRK Regional Outreach Manager Jill Sistino. Admission is free to this event, which was rescheduled from its original May 11 date. Capacity is limited; register here.)

The program kicks into high gear with the popular River Discovery Series (in partnership with the National Park Service), starting with a paddle trip from Buford Dam to McGinnis Ferry on June 29.

(UPDATE: Our Headwaters Camp and Paddle Trip has been rescheduled for the weekend of July 6-7. Register here.)

Report: Local governments, businesses help fill Atlanta's water gap

CRK’s update to our 2011 report, Filling the Water Gap: Conservation Successes and Missed Opportunities in Metro Atlanta, outlines water conservation efforts across metro Atlanta as implemented by nine local governments and select businesses. In our report, we conclude that although the region has made incremental progress in reducing water use, we can and should do more.

We estimate there is nearly 150 million gallons per day (MGD) of water we can save through modest measures, including leak repair, conservation pricing, replacing outdated plumbing fixtures, and rainwater harvesting. If we add reuse, the savings increase to nearly 400 MGD, or enough water to supply 2.6 million people in metro Atlanta.

Download a copy our 2012 report here. Read more about Filling the Water Gap here.

Newly redesigned CRK Store is open for business!

One great way to get in the mood for the warmer weather and the many offerings we have in our Outings Program and seasonal events is to shop for CRK merchandise in our newly redesigned CRK Store! We premiered our new merch at our Wild & Scenic Film Festival in March, which included our wildly popular new long-sleeve T-shirt (pictured).

Also fresh on our virtual shopping shelves are three different styles of caps to suit your taste: an army-style cap, a “trucker”-style cap, and the more traditional ball cap.

We also feature a CRK koozie (made with recycled materials) and a dry pouch to keep your gear water-proof, perfect for storing your key and phone during your trip down the Chattahoochee.

Shop with CRK by visiting this link.