SYLACAUGA, Ala. – Coosa Riverkeeper, a river conservation group, has issued an alert noting poor water quality conditions across Alabama related to Tropical Storm Cindy.
The organization reported significant bacteria, debris, and mud in area creeks and lakes due to recent rain making water-based recreation, including boating, unsafe. High levels of E. coli bacteria have been detected in Big Wills, Choccolocco, Coldwater, and Hatchet Creeks and in the Coosa River in Wetumpka and Rainbow City. Alabama Power has closed the fishing pier below Jordan Dam.
Invisible bacteria and viruses can be extremely dangerous, while lake debris can damage and pose hazards to skiers and tubers. Conditions were expected to worsen with more weekend rain, but, based on better weather forecasts and sunshine, improved conditions are expected by the July 4th holiday.
Coosa Riverkeeper patrols five lakes and dozens of creeks and conducts extensive water quality monitoring. Its recreational water quality monitoring program is online at CoosaRiver.org/SwimGuide.
Lee Perryman for SylacaugaNews.com | © 2017, SylacaugaNews.com/Marble City Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.