​Latest Water Quality Update 

• Green = Go!  Most recent E.coli test results indicate water relatively safe for human contact (0-200 cfu/100 mL)
• Yellow = Caution!  ​Most recent E.coli test results indicate increasing risk for human illness (>200-600 cfu/100 mL)
• Red = Stop! Most recent E.coli test results indicate water relatively unsafe for human contact (>600 cfu/100mL)
• Grey = Results are not current.

***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.

***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  

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Volunteer to Test our Water

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 Water Quality Results and Trends by Location 

Upper Pearl River

Hwy 35 Bridge, Carthage, MS

Old Hwy 13 Bridge, Lena, MS

Leake County Water Park, Canton, MS

Coal Bluff, Lena, MS

Ross Barnett Reservoir

Pelahatchie Creek, Brandon, MS

Lakeshore Park, Brandon, MS

Old Trace Park, Ridgeland, MS

Natchez Trace Overlook, Madison, MS

Middle/Lower Pearl River

Purple Creek, Jackson, MS

Westbrook Rd, Jackson, MS

LeFleurs Bluff State Park, Jackson, MS

Belhaven Beach, Jackson, MS

Crystal Lake, Flowood, MS

Byram Swinging Bridge, Jackson, MS

Mill Creek, Foxworth, MS

Columbia Water Park, Columbia, MS

West Pearl River, Pearl River, LA

East Pearl River, Hwy 90

Strong River

Bridgeport Rd Bridge, Pinola, MS

Hwy 28 Bridge, Pinola, MS

D'Lo Water Park, Mendenhall, MS

Merit Water Park, Rials Creek

Sellers Creek, S Main St, Mendenhall, MS

Sellers Creek, Hwy 149, Mendenhall, MS

Bogue Chitto River

New River Rd, Tylertown, MS

Dillon's Bridge, Tylertown, MS

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FAQs

What is the goal of the Pearl Riverkeeper Water Stewards program?
​The goal of the Pearl Riverkeeper Water Stewards program is to provide YOU with information about water quality conditions at popular recreation sites on the Ross Barnett Reservoir, Strong, Bogue Chitto and Pearl Rivers. Our water monitors are trained by the MSU Extension Service MS Water Stewards program in EPA-approved protocols for Bacteriological and/or Water Chemistry Monitoring.  

What is E.coli and why are you testing for it?
E.coli are bacteria found in the intestines of warm-blooded animals.  Humans risk of getting sick from recreating in the river increases as E. coli concentrations increase. Young people and people with compromised immune systems are more likely to become sick. Potential illnesses can include “swimmer’s ear,” upset stomach, diarrhea, and also very serious illnesses from Salmonella, Shigella, and Giardia.
Generally, E.coli levels increase when heavy rain causes land runoff (urban and agricultural) and potentially sewage overflows. Remember, river conditions are always changing and our sample are only collected for one second and at each site once per week. Be especially careful swimming after major rain events.

​Where and when are you testing?
During the summer, Pearl Riverkeeper volunteers, trained by the MSU Extension Service MS Water Stewards program in EPA-approved protocols developed by Alabama Water Watch, conduct weekly E. coli water testing at your favorite recreation locations in the Pearl River watershed.  Sampling begins the first week of June and ends on Labor Day weekend.  We'd love to expand the weekly sampling season a few weeks in each direction and also add additional monitoring locations, but we need your support to do that. During the off-season, volunteers conduct monthly testing. 

How long are the results good for?
Our results only represent a small sample of water just below the surface at one instant in time in a large river that is constantly changing. River conditions fluctuate on daily and seasonal cycles. They change dramatically during rain events or pollution events. In addition, bacteriological testing requires a 32-hour incubation period. Therefore, the reported water quality statuses are at least 32 hours old, and may not reflect current water quality conditions at these sites. If rain has occurred in the last 24 hours it is likely bacteria levels have increased and sometimes drastically.  We cannot guarantee that water quality conditions are similar to our posted results beyond the date, time and location at which our samples were collected. You can help us collect more samples by donating to Pearl Riverkeeper! This project is made available to the general public only because of our dues-paying members. 

How do I lower my risk of contracting a water-borne illness?
If you have open cuts or scrapes, you should be extra mindful of making contact with river water.  Always wash thoroughly after leaving the water.  Additionally, because bacteria levels are higher after a rain event, you should exercise more caution for several days after a big rain. Remember, if it has rained since we took our last sample, odds are bacteria levels are now higher than the posted results.

What do you do when locations test high for E.coli? 
If a location consistently tests high for E. coli, Pearl Riverkeeper will notify the Ross Barnett Reservoir management at Pearl River Valley Water Supply District and/or the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality. 

Doesn't the EPA or the State already do this kind of testing?
No. Neither the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality nor the Mississippi Department of Public Health conducts this type of weekly E.coli testing on our freshwater rivers and reservoirs. While this type of testing is performed by the State on our coastal beaches in the Gulf, it is not performed on inland freshwater lakes and streams. We think that’s a shame, so we’re spending our Wednesdays in the summer testing your favorite Ross Barnett Reservoir recreation locations to keep you informed!  This testing is funded through grants and member donations.  You can help by making a donation to Pearl Riverkeeper!  

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Disclaimer: The information contained on this 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!

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Questions? Contact Pearl Riverkeeper