#WaterQuality | 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.

June 27, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

State Identifies Three Georgia Beaches With Elevated Fecal Bacteria Levels

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Anyone planning a trip to the Georgia coast this summer may want to check beach conditions before heading into the water.

State officials have identified 15 miles of beachfront on Tybee Island, St. Simons Island, and Jekyll Island where elevated levels of enterococci, a type of fecal bacteria, have exceeded recreational water quality standards. The affected beach segments have been classified as “not supporting” recreational use under the Clean Water Act.

According to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, enterococci bacteria can originate from wastewater, failing septic systems, stormwater runoff, wildlife, and pet waste. While the bacteria itself is used as an indicator, elevated levels may signal the presence of other disease-causing organisms that can increase the risk of illness for swimmers.

State officials are working to develop cleanup plans for the affected waters, and public comments on those plans are being accepted through July 16. Before visiting Georgia’s beaches, officials recommend checking the latest advisories through the Georgia Healthy Beaches program

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 3, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Free PFAS Documentary Screening Set For Monday In Rome

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The public is invited to a free documentary screening Monday at the DeSoto Theatre in downtown Rome, focusing on PFAS contamination in the South and its impact on Northwest Georgia.

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.

April 13, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Summerville City Council To Tackle Projects, Spending, And Community Issues This Evening

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The Summerville City Council is set to meet this evening with a full agenda that includes financial decisions, infrastructure projects, and several items that could affect the local community.

April 1, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Understanding Water Systems In Chattooga County Amid PFAS Concerns

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A meeting was held Monday evening in Rome to discuss PFAS contamination in water systems across Northwest Georgia. The Ben Finley Law Firm hosted the public forum at The Forum in Rome, with consumer advocate Erin Brockovich in attendance.

March 25, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Erin Brockovich Returns To Northwest Georgia Amid PFAS Concerns

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Consumer advocate Erin Brockovich is set to return to Northwest Georgia next week as the PFAS Georgia team announces a major expansion of water, soil, and dust testing in Rome and several surrounding counties. Organizers say the renewed push comes after more than 20 months of work in the region uncovered some of the highest levels of “forever chemicals” found anywhere in the country.

March 21, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Mayor Rickey Hughes Says Summerville to Use $4.5 Million Grant for PFAS Removal and Water System Upgrades

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The City of Summerville is moving forward with plans to improve its water system after receiving a $4.5 million grant from the Georgia Environmental Finance Authority to address PFAS contamination.

March 20, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Summerville Awarded $4.5 Million Grant to Improve Drinking Water System

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The City of Summerville is receiving a major boost for its public water system after being awarded a $4.5 million grant from the Georgia Environmental Finance Authority to help address emerging contaminants in drinking water.