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.

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 2021 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.

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

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 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

Once again the E. coli levels of >2,419.6 measured at site FW36, Manassas Run upstream of the confluence with main-stem Shenandoah River, just upstream of the public boat landing, on Wednesday, July 21, 2021, 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.

FOSR 2021 Summer Quantitative E. coli Concentration Results through 07.21.2021

The water level in the North Fork and South Fork of the Shenandoah River dropped again this week.  Also seeing algae blooms at many of the sites we collect water samples from.

Potentially harmful algae bloom in the North Fork of the Shenandoah River near Bethel Road area of Strasburg in Shenandoah County. The Lord Fairfax Health District of the Virginia Health Department is cautioning people not to swim in that area until the results of an algae test come in later this week. The algae blooms discovered at the Bethel Road area of Strasburg could be cyanobacteria, which “has the ability to put out a neurotoxin.”

On Wednesday, July 14, 2021, at site FW36, Manassas Run upstream of the confluence with main-stem Shenandoah River, just upstream of the public boat landing, the E. coli level was 435.2 MPN of E. coli colony-forming units per 100 mL.  This level 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.

The amount of flow in the North Fork, South Fork, and Main-stem of the Shenandoah River has been steadily decreasing. The recent localized rain events have not been enough to recharge the water supply.

FOSR 2021 Summer Quantitative E. coli Concentration Results through 07.14.2021

At one of the sites that we collected water samples at yesterday, Wednesday July 07, 2021  the E. coli  level 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.

FW36 – Manassas Run upstream of the confluence with main-stem Shenandoah River, just upstream  of the public boat landing, 1,413.6 MPN of E. coli colony-forming units per 100 mL

FOSR 2021 Summer Quantitative E. coli Concentration Results through 07.07.2021

To provide you with the most current E. coli levels in preparation of your holiday plans, I collected water samples at 7 sites yesterday, Friday, July 2.  The E. coli levels at FW36 Manassas Run and FW35MID Shenandoah River both at Morgan’s Ford low water bridge in Warren County VA, increased from when the water samples were collected on Thursday, July 1.  On both days the E. coli levels at these two sites 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.

07.02.2021 FW36 – Manassas Run upstream of the confluence with main-stem Shenandoah River, just upstream of the public boat landing, >2,419.6 MPN of E. coli colony-forming units per 100 mL.

07.01.2021 FW36 – Manassas Run upstream of the confluence with main-stem Shenandoah River, just upstream of the public boat landing, 275.5 MPN of E. coli colony-forming units per 100 mL

07.02.2021 FW35MID –Main-stem Shenandoah River at Morgan’s Ford low H2O bridge at mid width of the River, 920.8 MPN E. coli colony-forming units per 100 mL

07.01.2021 FW35MID –Main-stem Shenandoah River at Morgan’s Ford low H2O bridge at mid width of the River, 290.9 MPN E. coli colony-forming units per 100 mL

FOSR 2021 Summer Quantitative E. coli Concentration Results through 07.02.2021