As summer approaches, the Coosa River Basin Initiative (CRBI) has launched its 2025 Swim Guide program, offering weekly updates on water quality for recreational users in the upper Coosa River basin, from Weiss Lake to Lake Allatoona, including Chattooga County.

Starting this past weekend until Labor Day, CRBI will collect weekly water samples from 30 popular public beaches and boat ramps to test for E. coli, an important indicator of bacterial contamination. Results will be shared every Friday afternoon before the weekend activities.

Courtnee Davenport, the Outreach Programs Manager at CRBI, said, “Swim Guide is all about giving the public access to clean water,” providing real-time data for safe swimming, paddling, or fishing. Residents can check the latest water quality results online at coosa.org/swim-guide or via the free Swim Guide mobile app. Testing sites in Chattooga County include the Lyerly Dam ramp and the Holland/Chattoogaville Road ramp, which regularly meet water quality standards.

The Swim Guide uses a color-coded system: green for safe E. coli levels and red for levels that are potentially hazardous. CRBI advises caution as all natural waters have risks, urging users to cover cuts, use personal flotation devices, and avoid swimming during storms or floods. Grey areas signify unavailable results due to sampling delays or unsafe conditions. Results represent E. coli levels at the time of sampling, and heavy rainfall can affect water quality. The Swim Guide program aims to help the public make informed and safe decisions while enjoying the Coosa River basin throughout summer.

You can find a link to the 2025 CRBI Swim Guide HERE