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WHEN IT’s BROWN, TURN AROUND!

FOSR’s 2021 Summer E. coli Results through 09.02.2021

All but one of the sites tested yesterday had exceedingly high E. coli concentrations. For many years Virginia had a single sample water-quality standard maximum threshold of 235 E. coli colony forming units (CFUs) per 100 mL of water sample for primary recreational use. Note: The E. coli result for site FW36, Manassas Run upstream of the confluence with the Shenandoah River at Morgans Ford public boat landing in Warren County Virginia is not being reported because the flooded Shenandoah River water was flowing up into Manassas Run mixing with the waters of Manassas Run.

FOSR 2021 Summer Quantitative E. coli Concentration Results through 09.02.2021

FOSR’s 2021 Summer E. coli Results through 08.25.2021

These are the E. coli results for the water samples that were collected yesterday, Wednesday, August 25, 2021.

FOSR 2021 Summer Quantitative E. coli concentration Results through 08.25.2021

Of the 12 times that FOSR has tested Manassas Run this summer, the E. coli levels exceeded the previous Virginia water-quality standard threshold of 235 E. coli colony forming units per 100 mL of water sample for primary recreational use 10 times (83% of the times tested).

The algal blooms continue in the North Fork of the Shenandoah River at Strasburg Park. While at the site yesterday the foul odor released by the algae was intense. Sections of the streambed were 75-80% covered with algae making it look like a carpet of green. Also, lots of clumps of algae that have broken loose were floating downstream.

The low water levels at several of the sites continue to be a serious concern.

Shenandoah National Park Temporarily Suspends Fishing

News Release Date: August 20, 2021 Contact: Claire Comer, (540) 999-3500 x3183

Low water levels at Jewell Hollow, August 20, 2021 Luray, Virginia: Effective immediately, Shenandoah National Park’s streams and rivers are closed to fishing due to low stream flows and high water temperatures. Despite the recent rainfall, streams and groundwater conditions have not recovered sufficiently.

Dry conditions have led to extremely low stream flows throughout the Park, including some river sections that are completely dry. Under low-flow conditions, high water temperatures occur with hot weather.

Low flows and high temperatures create extremely stressful conditions for fish, and dissolved oxygen can decline to fatal conditions. Some mortalities have been documented this month. The additional stress of angling during these conditions could harm the native brook trout populations. This closure is for all streams to including both open-to-harvest and catch-and-release waters. While it is rare, the Park has occasionally closed fishing in the past in response to similar conditions.

https://www.nps.gov/shen/learn/news/shenandoah-national-park-temporarily-suspends-fishing.htm?fbclid=IwAR0tr-lEo0xzdECRMp9D4xQ7PVxDvtLBxUW3eYdZnbBDLCSrLwVgtusRYTM

A River in Peril

FOSR’s 2021 Summer E. coli Results through 08.19.2021

Although yesterday was a beautiful day to be out collecting water samples, it was easy to see that the River is struggling; extremely low water levels, trash, algae, elevated water temperature, excessive nutrients, …

Below is the link to FOSR’s 2021 Summer Quantitative E. coli Concentration Results through 08.19.2021

FOSR 2 021 Summer Quantitative E. coli Concentration Results through 08.19.2021

The E. coli levels at Site FW36, Manassas Run upstream of the confluence with main-stem Shenandoah River, just upstream of the public boat landing at Morgan’s Ford bridge, continue to exceed the previous Virginia water-quality standard threshold of 235 E. coli colony forming units per 100 mL of water sample for primary recreational use.

FOSR’s 2021 Summer E. coli Results through 08.11.2021

These are the E. coli results for the water samples that were collected yesterday, Wednesday, August 11, 2021.

FOSR 2021 Summer Quantitative E. coli Concentration Results through 08.11.2021

A River of Green

A River of green – North Fork of the Shenandoah River at Strasburg Park, Shenandoah County Virginia.

Much of the Shenandoah River watershed needs Rain

This summer water levels in the upper portion of the North Fork Shenandoah River are in stark contrast from the water levels during the summer of 2018 when parts of the the Shenandoah River watershed received record levels of rain.

VDH Harmful Algal Bloom Advisory updated to include larger stretch of North Fork Shenandoah River

IMPORTANT: VDH has expanded the stretch of the North Fork of the Shenandoah River included in the Harmful Algal Bloom Advisory. The stretch of the River included in the updated advisory now starts at Willow Grove, south of Woodstock, in Shenandoah County, then north all the way to Front Royal, in Warren County.

VDH – The advisory for the North Fork Shenandoah River has been expanded due to the detection of cyanobacteria in algal mats at sites above and below the previous advisory issued from Lower River Road to Strasburg. While cyanobacteria mats at those three locations appeared wide-spread, they are not wide-spread throughout the entire ~53 mile stretch of this advisory. Weather and other environmental factors can cause potentially toxic algal mats to detach from the river floor, float along the surface, and accumulate along shorelines. People and pets should avoid contact and accidental ingestion of algal mats within this area of the river.

The drinking water plants at Woodstock, Strasburg, and Winchester are working with state and county officials to ensure the continued safety of drinking water and will continue to monitor for algal toxins at the plant intake.

https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/content/uploads/sites/178/2021/08/NF-Shenanodah-HAB-Status-Report-8.10.21.pdf

Decreasing Water Levels and Algal Blooms Pose Threats to Human Health

FOSR’s 2021 Summer E. coli Results through 07.28.2021

Yesterday, and for the past five weeks, the E. coli levels measured at site FW36, Manassas Run, upstream of the confluence with main-stem Shenandoah River at Morgan’s Ford, just upstream of the public boat landing, have exceeded the previous Virginia water-quality standard threshold of 235 E. coli colony forming units per 100 mL of water sample for primary recreational use.

07.28.2021 FW36 – Manassas Run 648.8 MPN of E. coli colony-forming units per 100 mL.

FOSR 2021 Summer Quantitative E. coli Concentration Results through 07.28.2021

The very noticeable decreasing water levels and increasing algal blooms in the Shenandoah River watershed pose potential health threats to humans, pets, livestock, and wildlife.

VDH’s Prevention Tips for when Harmful Algal Blooms are present –

Avoid direct contact with water that has an unusual color, odor, or where advisory signs are posted. This means no swimming, wading, paddling, diving, or water-skiing in affected waters.
If direct contact has been made with water containing cyanobacteria, wash off with fresh water. In some cases, skin irritation will appear after prolonged exposure. If symptoms persist, consult your local health care provider.
Never drink untreated water. Do not drink water from an area where cyanobacteria have been identified.
Do not let children, pets, or livestock get into or drink from affected waters.
People that are prone to respiratory allergies or asthma should avoid areas with cyanobacterial blooms.
Do not eat the internal organs of fish caught in waters containing cyanobacteria. If you have cleaned fish taken from affected waters, thoroughly wash any of your skin that has come into contact with the fish.
Use rubber gloves if contact with affected waters must be made.
VDH Hotline 1-888-238-6154

https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/content/uploads/sites/178/2021/03/VDH-Cyanobacteria-Flyer4_16_21.pdf

Algae blooms increasing in the Shenandoah River watershed

Low flow, warm water, and nutrients are the ingredients for algae blooms. These pictures were taken today, Wednesday, July 28, at various sites as identified in the photos.

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