Monitoring
During the summer recreation season of 2003, the Georgia Mountains Regional Development Center (GMRDC) and UCR conducted water quality and sampling and bacteria monitoring on the Chattahoochee River and tributaries located in and around the city of Helen. Fecal coliform and E. coli bacteria counts were monitored because Georgia has identified the river segment as being impaired by high levels of bacteria, creating a health risk for those who utilize the river for water contact recreation.
Monitoring results have now been reviewed and several samples exceeded fecal coliform standards. Preliminary analyses of the results indicate that tributaries are the greatest contributors of bacteria loadings and the pollution may be attributed to agricultural land use, failing septic or sewer systems and wildlife. In addition, it is evident that bacteria levels generally increase as the result of rainfall events. UCR is working with the GMRDC to obtain additional funding from EPA to collect additional bacteria data, including during winter months, and to conduct a more in-depth assessment of the watershed to determine pollutant sources.
For more information, contact UCR’s Headwaters Conservation Director Darcie Holcomb.
Please also visit these Events:
BacteriALERT Program in the National Recreation Area
Lake Lanier Nutrient Monitoring
