Chattanooga Swimming Holes See E. coli Drop

WaterWays reports a drop in E. coli levels at several popular Chattanooga swimming locations. The organization attributes the improvement to a decrease in water levels.

This week's Summer Swim Report shows a mix of normal and elevated bacteria readings. The nonprofit provides these weekly updates to help the community make informed decisions about swimming. You can view the full weekly stats on our site.

Current Water Quality Status

The latest data, released as summer nears its end, indicates three locations are in the normal range. Big Soddy Creek Gulf, Suck Creek, and Greenway Farm Quarry all show acceptable E. coli levels this week.

Three other sites, however, continue to have elevated readings. Middle Creek, Rainbow Lake, and Audubon Acres are all above the normal threshold for the bacteria.

E. coli is a standard indicator for fecal contamination in freshwater. While many strains are harmless, high levels can signal the presence of other dangerous pathogens. Ingesting contaminated water can lead to stomach cramps, vomiting, fever, and infections.

Recent Trends and Testing Expansion

WaterWays expanded its testing program earlier in the season. For the Fourth of July weekend, the group began monitoring Chickamauga Dam and Chester Frost Park due to community interest. Initial results showed Chickamauga Dam within the normal range, while Chester Frost Park had elevated levels.

Mary Beth Sutton, founder and executive director of WaterWays, explained the decision. "Everybody is saying, 'Well, we're going to Chester Frost, or we're going to the Chickamauga Dam,'" Sutton said. "We said, 'Okay, we'll go out for Fourth of July and check them for everybody.'"

The organization follows U.S. Environmental Protection Agency standards, though Sutton notes the guidelines are intentionally conservative.

Persistent Problem at Rainbow Lake

Rainbow Lake on Signal Mountain has been a consistent concern. It showed high levels for three consecutive weeks earlier in the summer and remains elevated in the latest report. For a full history of results, check our fixtures page.

Sutton suggested environmental conditions may be to blame. She believes heavy lawn watering in neighborhoods with septic systems can saturate the ground. This can cause wastewater to flow into nearby creeks and streams that feed the lake. "People may be watering their yards a lot," Sutton said. "It may fill up the soil with water, and then the septic waste has nowhere to go except out to the creeks."

How Conditions Affect Readings

Brooke Fleeman, WaterWays director of operations, has emphasized that rainfall is a major factor in weekly bacteria fluctuations. She also cautions that clear water is not necessarily clean water.

The organization's weekly testing will continue through Labor Day. The final Summer Swim Report will help residents assess end-of-season swimming conditions.

WaterWays recently hosted a community Water Fest event on July 10 at Red Bank High School. The free event featured bounce houses, face painting, water education activities, and food.