#ChattoogaRiver | AM 1180 Radio

July 10, 2026

Swim Guide Helps Residents Check Water Safety Before Weekend Recreation

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Residents planning to swim, paddle, or play on area waterways this weekend are encouraged to check water quality before heading out.

The Coosa River Basin Initiative is once again offering its 2026 Swim Guide, which tracks bacteria levels at 29 monitoring sites across the Coosa River Basin through Labor Day weekend. That includes monitoring of the Chattooga River.

Courtnee Davenport, Outreach Programs Manager for CRBI, says water samples are tested for harmful E. coli. Results are posted each Friday at coosa.org. Sites marked green indicate low E. coli levels and are considered suitable for recreation, while red sites show high levels and mean visitors should use extra caution or avoid the area.

Davenport says bacteria levels often rise after heavy rainfall, and swimmers should wait 24 to 48 hours after a rain event before getting into area rivers and lakes.

The Coosa River Basin Initiative works to protect, preserve, and restore the upper Coosa River basin.

July 1, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Chattooga River Group Plans Independence Day Social Paddle Friday

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Area paddlers are invited to celebrate Independence Day on the water this Friday during a Social Paddle hosted by the Chattooga River Group.

Participants will meet at 9 a.m. Friday, July 3, at Giles Road in Trion before organizing shuttle vehicles to the take-out location near the Trion Golf Course. Organizers say the float is expected to last about three hours, depending on fishing and water conditions.

Those planning to participate are encouraged to bring a personal flotation device, drinking water, and snacks for the trip. Organizers are also encouraging paddlers to show their patriotic spirit, with a free T-shirt to be awarded to the participant wearing the best patriotic outfit.

Anyone planning to attend is asked to respond to the event organizers in advance to help coordinate transportation and parking arrangements.

June 5, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

New River Information Kiosks Installed in Trion, Lyerly and Chattoogaville

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River enthusiasts now have access to new information kiosks designed to improve safety, navigation, and awareness along the Chattooga River.

May 22, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

CRBI Swim Guide Returns for Memorial Day Weekend

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The Coosa River Basin Initiative’s Swim Guide will return for the summer season beginning Memorial Day weekend.

May 4, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Free Fun Paddle Planned Saturday At Lyerly Dam

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A free community paddle event is planned for Saturday, May 9 at Lyerly Dam in Summerville.

The “Free Fun Paddle,” organized by the Chattooga River Group, will begin at 10 AM and take participants along the Blue Trail from the Lyerly Dam launch to Chattoogaville.

Participants will be joined by Shane Kornberg, a natural resources expert with UGA Extension, who will share information on river ecology, invasive versus native species, and the importance of maintaining a diverse ecosystem.

Those planning to attend are asked to bring their own kayak, paddle, life jacket, and snacks, and should be prepared to arrange transportation after the paddle. Organizers will also require a signed waiver before launch.

The event is open to the public

April 19, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Swim Guide Returns to Monitor Water Safety Across Northwest Georgia and Northeast Alabama

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As warmer weather settles into Northwest Georgia, the Coosa River Basin Initiative is gearing up for another season of water safety monitoring ahead of the busy summer months.

March 13, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Chattooga River Group to Host Blue Trail Paddle Event in Summerville

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The Chattooga River Group is inviting the public to take part in an upcoming Blue Trail paddle event on Lyerly Dam Road in Summerville. The paddle will begin with a mass launch at 10 a.m. and will follow the route from Lyerly Dam Launch to Chattoogaville.

Special guest Shane Kornberg, former manager of the Fish Hatchery in Cohutta and now an Agriculture and Natural Resources Agent with UGA Extension in Whitfield County, will lead discussion during the outing. Organizers say Kornberg will cover topics including river ecology, invasive versus native species, and the benefits of a diverse ecosystem.

Participants will need to bring their own kayak, paddle, life jacket, and snacks, and should also make their own transportation arrangements for after the paddle. Organizers say each participant will be asked to provide an emergency contact and sign a waiver before launching.

February 25, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Mild Temperatures and Rain Chances Ahead for Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia

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Residents across Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia can expect average to slightly above-average temperatures to continue through the weekend, along with several opportunities for rainfall and a few thunderstorms heading into Thursday and Friday.

February 19, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Water Service Interruption Planned Friday in Trion for Water Line Repair

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The Town of Trion will shut off water service to part of town Friday morning as crews work to repair a water line.

Town officials say beginning Friday, February 20th at 9:30 a.m., water will be turned off for customers from the Chattooga River southward to Moore Street. Trion Maintenance Superintendent Brandon Croy said service will remain off in that area until the repair is completed.

Residents and businesses in the affected area are encouraged to plan ahead, store water for essential needs, and limit water usage before the shutoff begins. Once service is restored, customers may notice temporary discoloration or air in the lines, which typically clears after running water for a short time.

January 31, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Coosa River Basin Initiative Tracks Water Bills, Invites Public to Capitol Conservation Day

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The Coosa River Basin Initiative is keeping lines of communication open with local legislators on several water-related issues during the 2026 session of the Georgia General Assembly.