Pearl Riverkeeper
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Swim Guide


During the summer months, Pearl Riverkeeper conducts weekly E.coli testing at Ross Barnett Reservoir and Pearl River locations in order to provide you with information about whether it is safe to swim!  
Text “PRKSWIMGUIDE” to 844-83 to receive water quality alerts by text message! 

Water Quality Update 

Tested 8/28/19; Posted 8/30/19
Hwy 13 Bridge, Coal Bluff, Leake County Water Park, Natchez Trace Overlook, Old Trace Park, Lakeshore Park, Pelahatchie Creek, Belhaven Beach, Byram Swinging Bridge, Georgetown Bridge, Strong River-Bridgeport Rd Bridge, Strong River-Hwy 28, West Pearl River-LA: Green
​

 Highway 35, Strong River-Robert Bush Rd: Red

REMINDER:  The MDEQ Water Contact Advisory for the Pearl River and Other Streams in the Jackson Area remains in place.  View the MDEQ Water Contact Advisory  

  • Green = Passed. Most recent test results met water quality standards for E.coli. 
  • Red = Failed. Most recent test results indicate E.coli levels above EPA single sample standard.
  • Grey = No current data. Water quality information is not current (greater than 7 days), unavailable, or unreliable.​
Click here to visit the SWIM GUIDE website and map 
***Heavy rains may impact water quality.  Please use caution immediately after rainstorms as sewer overflows, failing septic and stormwater runoff can contain high levels of bacteria.  These tests do not indicate the presence of Vibrio, a flesh-eating bacteria that naturally occurs in water.  Our "safe" level refers to the level of E.coli, a bacteria that indicates fecal contamination. Please be advised that other threats may exist and avoid entering the water with open wounds. Swim at your own risk.
​Pearl Riverkeeper Bacteriological Monitoring program follows the protocols and procedures developed by Alabama Water Watch in 1992 and certified by EPA Region 4 in 1999 and 2010.  All Pearl Riverkeeper Bacteriological Monitoring volunteers attend a one-day training course, are certified by Global Water Watch and follow a Quality Assurance/Quality Control program approved by the EPA.   The Coliscan Easygel method utilized by Alabama Water Watch and Pearl Riverkeeper is also approved by the EPA. 

Full Results (Tested 8/29/19;  Posted 8/30/19): 

Site Name
E. coli (cfu/100mL)
Water Temp
Rain w/in 24 hours
Highway 35 Bridge
350
26
No
Old Highway 13
150
27
No
Coal Bluff 
133
27
Yes
Natchez Trace Overlook
33
30
Yes
Old Trace Park
33
30
Yes
Lakeshore Park
33
27.5
Yes
Pelahatchie Shore Park
Not tested
Not tested
Value
Pelahatchie Creek
67
27
Yes
Belhaven Beach
100
28
Yes
Byram Swinging Bridge
166
27.5
Yes
Georgetown Bridge
100
27
Yes
Strong River-Bridgeport Rd Bridge
133
24
Yes
Strong River-Hwy 28 Bridge
200
24
Yes
Strong River-Robert Bush Rd
533
24
Yes
Leake County Water Park
67
28
Yes
West Pearl River, LA
0
25
Yes
Merit Water Park 
Value
Value
Value
Strong River-D'Lo
Value
Value
Value

Disclaimer: The information contained on this website and the Swim Guide website is for informational purposes only.  All sites monitored are natural waterbodies and contaminants are present from a wide variety of sources.  Local conditions fluctuate, sometimes rapidly, especially after rainfall events.  The results displayed above are only representative of the exact time, date and location at which the sample was taken and do not represent the water quality between sampling events or at other locations nearby on the river. Users of this data should not assume that a “low” E. coli level means that it is necessarily safe or risk-free to make contact with the water. E. coli is not the only contaminant of concern for recreational users, and is used merely as an indicator of potential fecal contamination. Pearl Riverkeeper, their employees, and agents can provide no guaranty of water safety and, as such, the user assumes all risks associated with the use of this data and swimming in the Pearl River Basin. SWIM AT YOUR OWN RISK!

Questions? Contact Pearl Riverkeeper
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Pearl Riverkeeper is a licensed member of the Waterkeeper Alliance, the largest and fastest growing nonprofit solely focused on clean water. 

Picture
  • Home
  • About Us
    • Our Mission
    • Our Team
    • Our Programs
    • Swim Guide
    • Year in Review
  • Our River
    • Pearl River Watershed
    • Threats to the Watershed
    • Pearl River Water Trail >
      • Water Trail Map
      • Upper Pearl River Water Trail
      • Ross Barnett Reservoir
      • Central Pearl River Water Trail
      • Lower Pearl River Water Trail
      • Bogue Chitto River Water Trail
      • Strong River Water Trail
      • Capital City Blueway
    • One River, No Lake >
      • One Lake Impacts
      • One Lake History
      • One Lake Comments
      • One Lake Alternative
      • Greenway Success
      • Take Action
    • Pearl River Watershed Map
    • Waste Management
  • GET INVOLVED
    • Become a Member
    • 2019 Pearl River Clean Sweep
    • Become a Water Ranger!
    • Trash-Free Pearl >
      • Clean Water Team
      • TAKE2MISS
      • 2019 Clean Sweep Results
      • 2018 Clean Sweep Results
      • 2017 Clean Sweep Results
    • Volunteer Stats
    • Stay Informed
  • NEWS
    • PRESS
    • Blog
    • Resources >
      • HTRW Site Reports
    • Waterkeeper Alliance Annual Reports
  • Report Pollution
    • REPORT POLLUTION
    • Map of Pollution Reports
  • SHOP