High levels of E. coli in Chattahoochee River blamed on heavy rains

Added: 2026-06-03

[00:00:00]Well, now I know. You may want to reconsider taking a dip in one of metro Atlanta's hotspots for cooling off.

[00:00:06]>> So, all of that rain that we've been experiencing is causing bacteria levels in the Chattahoochee River to rise.

[00:00:11]According to the Chattahoochee Riverkeeper, the current count is at more than 1,700 colony counts per 100 ml of water. So, what does that does that mean? Well, the healthy the healthy count is 235 or below. E. coli can naturally live in humans, but the wrong strain can make you really sick, and that's why officials are encouraging you to stay out of the river.

[00:00:34]And primarily what we're think I'm talking about today is the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area, which is the 48-mi stretch of river and the neck necklace of national parks that goes from Peachtree Creek up to Buford Dam.

[00:00:47]So, here are some of the symptoms of E.

[00:00:49]coli. An infection can include stomach cramps, pain, and vomiting. If you have any of those, you're urged to see your doctor.