NORTHEAST ALABAMA– Coosa Riverkeeper reported high E. coli levels at six recreation sites during Week 10 of its 2026 Swim Guide program, including three locations in the Neely Henry Lake area.
The organization released results from samples collected Thursday, July 23. Of the 44 locations with reported results, 34 showed low E. coli levels, four showed moderate levels, and six showed high levels.
Therefore, more than three-quarters of the tested locations received a low-bacteria classification. However, Coosa Riverkeeper recommends avoiding swimming at locations with high readings.
Six Locations Receive High-Bacteria Classification
The six locations with high E. coli levels were:
- Little Canoe Creek
- Big Canoe Creek at Highway 231
- Black Creek
- Upper Choccolocco Creek
- Yellow Leaf Creek
- Corn Creek Park
Coosa Riverkeeper classifies a site as having high E. coli when testing detects at least 235 colony-forming units per 100 milliliters of water. The organization recommends against swimming at a location when it receives a high-bacteria classification.
Three High Readings Reported in Neely Henry Area
Three of the Neely Henry Lake area’s 10 tested locations showed high bacteria levels.
Little Canoe Creek, Big Canoe Creek at Highway 231, and Black Creek received high classifications.
Meanwhile, seven Neely Henry locations showed low E. coli levels:
- Beaver Creek Slough
- Lower Big Canoe Creek
- Big Wills Creek
- Hokes Bluff Mill Pond
- Jack L. Ray Park
- Southside Landing
- Ten Islands
None of the Neely Henry locations received a moderate classification during the July 23 testing.
Logan Martin Results Include One High Reading
Upper Choccolocco Creek produced the only high E. coli reading among the Logan Martin Lake area locations included in the report.
In addition, three sites showed moderate bacteria levels:
- Coldwater Creek Park
- Cheaha Creek
- Highway 77 Boat Ramp
Coosa Riverkeeper advises visitors to use caution at locations with moderate E. coli levels. The organization recommends covering cuts and insect bites and considering keeping the head above water.
Eight Logan Martin locations returned low readings:
- Lincoln Landing
- River Bend Boat Ramp
- Dye Creek Slough
- Pell City Lakeside Park
- Collins Bend
- Clear Creek Slough
- Logan Martin Dam Park
- Birmingham Sailing Club
Most Lay Lake Locations Return Low Readings
Nine Lay Lake locations showed low E. coli levels:
- Kelly Creek
- North Fork Yellowleaf Creek
- Glovers Point Park
- Pop’s Place Boat Launch
- Bulley Creek Slough
- Shelby Shores
- Middle Lay Lake
- Waxahatchee Creek
- Lay Dam Boat Ramp
Risers Park received a moderate classification.
The report did not include a bacteria classification for Beeswax Creek Park. Coosa Riverkeeper’s results graphic marked that location without a low, moderate, or high designation.
Two High Readings Reported Around Lake Mitchell, Jordan, and Tailwaters
Yellow Leaf Creek and Corn Creek Park showed high E. coli levels in the Lake Mitchell, Lake Jordan, and tailwaters section of the report.
The remaining 10 tested locations in that group received low classifications:
- Walnut Creek
- Higgins Ferry
- Lower Lake Mitchell
- Pennymotley Creek
- Hatchet Creek at County Road 29
- Weoka Creek Slough
- Jordan State Ramp
- Rapids Road Ramp
- Bonners Point
- Upper Lake Jordan
No moderate readings appeared in that section of the Week 10 report.
Understanding the Swim Guide Classifications
Coosa Riverkeeper uses a traffic-light system to help the public interpret its water-quality findings.
A green result means testing found low E. coli levels when crews collected the sample. A yellow result represents moderate levels and calls for additional caution. Finally, a red result indicates high E. coli concentrations, and Coosa Riverkeeper recommends avoiding swimming at that location.
However, a green classification does not mean a natural body of water carries no risk. Likewise, conditions can change between sampling periods.
The results represent conditions at the specific location, date, and time of collection. Rain, runoff, changing water levels, and other conditions can cause bacteria levels to rise or fall quickly. As a result, swimmers should exercise additional caution following heavy rain.
Coosa Riverkeeper also recommends avoiding natural water when a person has open cuts, scrapes, or irritated insect bites. Anyone who receives a cut while swimming should leave the water, clean the wound, and watch for signs of infection.
Weekly Results Available Online and by Text
Coosa Riverkeeper conducts Swim Guide monitoring during the warm-weather recreation season to provide current information about bacteria levels at popular swimming, boating, and recreation sites across the Coosa River watershed.
Full results are available through the Coosa Riverkeeper Swim Guide.
Residents can also receive weekly water-quality alerts by texting SWIMGUIDE to 205-526-4819.
Related Articles:
You must be logged in to post a comment.