There was a noticeable decrease in the E. coli levels at all of the sites monitored yesterday, Wednesday July 09, compared to a week ago. However, the E. coli level at three of the sites still exceeded the EPA’s recommended precautionary “do not exceed” freshwater Beach Action Value (BAV) of 235 CFU of E. coli bacteria per 100 mL of water sample for early alert to recreators, including families with children.
- FW14, South Fork of the Shenandoah River at Front Royal public boat landing off Luray Ave. Warren County VA – 325.5 MPN CFU E. coli 100 mL/sample
- FPHCTL, Hawksbill Creek, Luray – Hawksbill Creek Greenway Pocket Park downstream pedestrian bridge Page County VA – 461.1 MPN CFU E. coli 100 mL/sample
- FSDR, North Fork of the Shenandoah River @ Deer Rapids public boat landing off Deer Rapids Road (Rt. 644) Shenandoah County VA – 920.8 MPN CFU E. coli 100 mL/sample
These results reflect the E. coli levels at the specific date, time, and conditions under which the samples were taken. As environmental conditions change, E. coli concentrations change can vary significantly. Localized rain events, like those occurring recently, affect E. coli levels in local streams and in the larger bodies of waters, such as the Shenandoah River, that these streams flow into.
