WaterWays is launching a summer water quality testing initiative starting this week to monitor the health of popular local creeks and swimming holes. The "Summer Swim Report" will provide weekly water monitoring for the following areas: 

• Greenway Farm Quarry

• Big Soddy Creek Gulf

• Audubon Acres

• Rainbow Lake

• Middle Creek

• Suck Creek

WaterWays' staff and volunteers will collect and test water samples weekly through Labor Day to check Escherichia coli (E.

coli) bacteria levels to help the community make informed decisions for safe swimming for families and pets.

Mary Beth Sutton, Executive Director, stated, “We get calls all the time about the safety of different areas for swimming, so we are offering this service for our community.” The initiative reflects rising community interest in water quality and public health, providing valuable insights into the conditions of local waterways to ensure they remain safe and enjoyable. WaterWays emphasizes the importance of clean water for healthy communities, inviting public support in protection efforts.

”WaterWays is actively working to protect our local water.  Clean water means healthy communities, and we welcome everyone’s help.”

The presence of the bacteria can come from the feces of mammals or birds, or in some cases, human waste. Unfortunately, the presence of human waste in our waterways is not uncommon in our region. Common sources can include combined sewer/stormwater system overflow and malfunctioning septic systems. This effort aims to identify sources and guide interventions. 

The group said, "Monitoring these levels is crucial for public safety.

"The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recommends a Recreational Water Quality Criteria of less than 235 colony-forming units (CFUs)/100 mL, estimating an illness rate of 36 per 1,000 people in contact with the water. The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) enforces a maximum daily limit of 487 colonies per 100 mL for lakes and exceptional Tennessee waters, and 941 colonies per 100 mL for other recreational waters.

"WaterWays remains dedicated to connecting people with their watersheds through education, stewardship, and environmental action. Community members are encouraged to follow WaterWays on social media @mywaterways for updates throughout the summer and learn more about protecting clean water in the Chattanooga region. Stay tuned for weekly updates on your favorite creek's water quality."