E. Coli Monitoring in the Lower American River
Since December 2017, Sacramento County and the Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board have been working together to identify the impacts of the 303(d) listing for the Lower American River and the American River Parkway. The coordination efforts are currently focused on the potential health impacts of E. coli for aquatic recreation activities such as boating, swimming and wading and the impact of trash on water quality in the American River from a variety of sources in the American River Parkway.
Background Information
On December 5, 2016, the Central Valley Water Board approved staff's recommended changes to the 303(d) List. The following information supports the Central Valley Water Board approval process. On December 20, 2016, the Central Valley Water Board submitted the approved 303(d) List to the State Water Board. Note, this 2014 303(d) List does not replace the current EPA approved 303(d) List until both the State Water Board and EPA approve these changes.
Additional information:
Healthy Habits for Swimming in the Lower American River
In order to inform the community about the risks and/or health impacts of aquatic recreation on the Lower American River, the Department of Regional Parks will be working under the direction of the Sacramento County Health Officer to inform recreation users of the risks of boating, swimming or wading in the Lower American River.
Informational signs will be posted at common river access locations with historically high
E. coli readings such as Discovery Park Boat Launch, Tiscornia Beach and Howe Avenue River Access.
The following healthy water habits are recommended:
- Actively supervise children and pets in or near water
- Avoid algae blooms (brightly colored water) and trash in the water
- People with immuno-suppressive diseases should avoid direct contact with the river
- Wash hands/shower after swimming.
- Do Not
- Drink river water
- Cook or wash dishes with river/lake water
- Change diapers in or near water
- Swim when you are sick
- Enter the water if you have cuts or open sores. These are pathways for bacteria to enter your body
- Enter the water for several days after a significant rainstorm. Storm flows spike bacteria levels, which decrease with time