There's nothing I love more than swimming in a river on a hot summer day.
I love canoeing, tubing, paddleboarding, kayaking, or just sitting in the water and drinking a cold beer.
On hot summer afternoons, I take my kids and jump in the river, but before I jump, I make an informed decision about how I want to recreate it.
As Broads River Manager in France, the most common question I receive is whether the river is clean and safe for swimming.
This Memorial Day weekend, MountainTrue is pleased to announce the launch of the Swim Guide water sampling program to answer that question every week.
From Memorial Day to Labor Day, Mountain True staff and volunteers will collect and analyze water samples from 96 popular recreational spots in western North Carolina and northern Georgia.
These samples are processed weekly and the results are posted on The Swim Guide's website (www.theswimguide.org) and smartphone app to ensure visitors have the most up-to-date water quality information before heading out on their adventure. Masu.
E. coli, a key indicator of water quality, can enter rivers and streams through sewage and septic tank leaks and stormwater runoff from poorly managed agricultural operations.
The presence of E. coli suggests that more harmful pathogens may also be present, such as Cryptosporidium, Giardia, Trifolium rubella, and Norovirus.
Contact with or ingestion of contaminated water can cause serious health problems, including gastrointestinal illnesses, skin infections, and respiratory illnesses.
Mid-week testing ensures a snapshot of water quality under typical conditions.
It is important to remember that water quality can change rapidly, especially after heavy rains that cause stormwater runoff. Therefore, visitors should take special care after such events and avoid exposing open cuts and scrapes to water.
Waterways near remote areas or protected areas where agricultural and industrial sources of pollution are minimized tend to be generally cleaner and less affected by stormwater runoff.
Conversely, areas near developed areas or intensive agricultural activities face greater risks, especially after heavy rains.
A swim guide is more than just a tool for finding safe swimming spots.
The data collected also supports investments in increasing riparian buffers, helping farmers improve their agricultural practices, property owners to repair damaged septic systems, and updating aging sewer infrastructure. It also provides important evidence needed to advocate for better environmental practices and policies, including for local governments.
Our rivers are more than just natural resources. They are cultural, recreational and economic treasures that define our way of life.
Protecting these waterways requires action from policymakers, but it also takes a committed community.
By using and supporting our Swim Guides program, you can join the larger effort to ensure the sustainability and cleanliness of our rivers and streams.
Please join us in this mission.
Visit www.theswimguide.org or download the Swim Guide app to stay up to date on water quality at your favorite swimming spots.
Your cooperation and support make this program possible. Together, we can ensure our rivers remain safe and enjoyable for everyone.
