West Nile Virus concerns have public health officials reminding about mosquito-bite prevention

Public health officials are urging Northwest Georgia residents to take precautions against mosquito bites as the 2026 West Nile virus season gets underway earlier and more aggressively than it has in more than two decades.

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Swim Guide Helps Residents Check Water Safety Before Weekend Recreation

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.

Georgia Department Of Public Health Urges Safe And Healthy Fourth Of July Weekend

The Georgia Department of Public Health is reminding Georgians and visitors to stay safe and healthy while celebrating the Fourth of July holiday weekend.

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Pine Ridge Outdoor Supply Offers Tips For Green Pool Water

With pool season underway, local residents are being reminded by Pine Ridge Outdoor Supply in Lyerly that there are several steps homeowners can take if they open their pool and find green water.

The business recommends first removing leaves, sticks, and visible debris, then brushing the entire pool, including walls, floors, steps, ladders, and corners, to help break up algae. Homeowners should also vacuum if possible, run the pump continuously until the water clears, and clean or backwash the filter so it can properly remove dead algae.

For a 21,000-gallon pool with visible algae, Pine Ridge says adding about two gallons of 12.5% liquid chlorine can begin fighting the algae before a full water test is completed. The chlorine should be poured slowly in front of a return jet while the pump is running.

Residents are also encouraged to get their pool water tested before adding anything else.

Pine Ridge Outdoor Supply offers pool water testing and a full line of pool supplies, allowing residents to shop locally instead of driving to Rome or Chattanooga.

Swimming Safety Important As Summer Begins Across Chattooga County

With school out for the summer and warmer temperatures arriving across Northwest Georgia, swimming safety is an important reminder for local families.

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Officials Urge ATV Safety As Summer Riding Season Begins

With school letting out and summer getting underway, safety officials are reminding families across Northwest Georgia to use caution when riding ATVs and other off-road vehicles.

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Warmer Weather, Summer Break Bring Renewed Push for ATV Safety in Northwest Georgia and Northeast Alabama

With warmer weather settling in and school set to let out in just a few weeks, families across Northwest Georgia and Northeast Alabama are being reminded that ATV season also brings a higher risk of serious and sometimes deadly crashes.

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