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Contact: Beth Wheeler,, 404-803-7641
Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area News Release
Release Date: June 30, 2023
Contact: Beth Wheeler, National Park Service, 404-803-7641
Chattahoochee River closing from Chattahoochee Nature Center to Johnson Ferry due to high E. coli levels
SANDY SPRINGS, Ga.—Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area (park) is enacting a partial closure of the Chattahoochee River today from the Chattahoochee Nature Center to Johnson Ferry due to elevated levels of E. coli contamination, which poses risks to human health. This precautionary measure comes at the recommendation of public health professionals.
The BacteriAlert program — a partnership between the park, advocacy organization Chattahoochee Riverkeeper and the U.S. Geological Survey — identified conditions consistent with an ongoing sewage spill above Willeo Creek Park. Water quality test results received on June 30 show E. coli levels at almost 300 times the Environmental Protection Agency recommended limits for recreation.
Elevated E. coli levels can lead to various health concerns, particularly when exposed through contaminated water sources. Common symptoms of E. coli infection include diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea, and occasionally, fever. In severe cases, E. coli infection can lead to serious health complications, especially in vulnerable populations, such as children, the elderly, or individuals with weakened immune systems. It is crucial for individuals to avoid direct contact with the affected areas until further notice.
As the park and Chattahoochee Riverkeeper continue monitoring and testing for water quality, additional closures may be implemented if E. coli levels reach dangerous levels in other parts of the river. Current information about the closure status will be available at www.nps.gov/CHAT.
About Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area. Designated as a unit of the National Park System in 1978, Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area preserves and protects the natural and cultural resources of the 48-mile Chattahoochee River corridor from Buford Dam to Peachtree Creek. The park annually welcomes over 3,000,000 visitors.
About the National Park Service. More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America’s 424 national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Learn more at www.nps.gov, and on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.
Last updated: July 11, 2023