May Water Quality Report | 2019

On May 28th and 29th we collected our regular water quality samples from local rivers and streams. While all the river samples were well below the state standard for contact recreation of 349/100 mL, our urban stream samples told a different story. Three sites, Smith Branch, Rocky Branch, and 12 Mile Creek showed elevated bacteria levels. These urban streams have had multiple exceedences over the last several years of sampling. It has been pretty dry lately, so these exceedences are not likely related to stormwater runoff. Other possible sources of bacteria include wildlife, sewer overflows, illicit connections, and failing septic systems.