Organization keeps public informed on CSRA water quality
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - Wearing a life jacket and knowing how to swim are one of the first things we think of when it comes to water safety, but what is in the water can play a big factor in water safety.
We spoke with Truck Carlson on water testing across the CSRA.
Veterans for Clean Water provides weekly testing throughout the summer to keep the public informed on the water quality of local rivers and lakes.
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“So it’s all across the CSRA,” said Carlson. “It’s places where people are most likely to interact with the water, whether they’re getting in a kayak or swimming. So we can report back every week just how good the quality of the water is.”
There are a few key factors when it comes to high levels of E. coli recorded in the rivers and lakes.
“Always count on high E. coli after a heavy rain event,” said Carlson. “Once there’s a heavy rain event, it all washes off from the streets through the stormwater system and dumps into the river. Well, low, slow-moving water is a recipe. It’s a petri dish.”
There is an app to help keep track of water quality across the CSRA and the world.
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It will tell you what the water quality is at any given place all over the world,” said Carlson. “So if you are going to Charleston and you want to see what the water quality is there, you can pull it right up.”
The Veterans for Clean Water surveys 17 local spots to update weekly June through September.
Even though they do not start testing until the summer, if you are heading out over the next few weeks, try and avoid being in the water after a heavy rain.
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