Chattahoochee River Contamination Update: Closure Continues

The Gist: A popular part of the Chattahoochee River remains closed due to contamination.

Recap: The Chattahoochee River, a popular recreational spot in Georgia, has been partially closed due to elevated levels of E. Coli contamination. The closure stretches from Chattahoochee Nature Center to all downstream sections of the park. This decision was made to ensure the safety of visitors as elevated bacteria levels were reported in recent water quality tests.

What’s New?: The park authorities, in collaboration with the Chattahoochee Riverkeeper and Fulton County Public Works, have been actively monitoring and testing the water quality. Fulton County Public Works is undertaking treatment measures, while an issue at the Big Creek Water Reclamation Facility has been reported to the Georgia Environmental Protection Division.

In the meantime, Fulton County is diverting wastewater to a plant in Cobb County, and the Army Corps of Engineers has initiated additional releases to aid in dissipation.

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Fast Facts:

• The partial closure of the Chattahoochee River extends from Chattahoochee Nature Center to downstream sections of the park.
• Water quality tests conducted on July 3 showed bacteria levels still exceeding the recommended limits for recreational activities.
• Over 30 miles of the Chattahoochee River remain open for public access, from Buford Dam to Azalea Park in Roswell.
• All hiking trails, picnic areas, and the Hewlett Lodge are open to visitors.

Why It Matters: The elevated bacteria levels pose a health risk to those engaging in water-related activities in the affected areas. Monitoring and treatment measures are underway to ensure the water quality reaches safe levels for recreational purposes.

What’s Next?: The partial closure of the Chattahoochee River will remain in effect until the water quality is deemed safe for visitors. Both park authorities and the Chattahoochee Riverkeeper will continue to monitor and test the water quality.

Visitors are encouraged to stay updated on the closure status by visiting the official website of the park at www.nps.gov/CHAT.