Friends of the Shenandoah River

E. coli Testing Results for July 1, 2024

07.01.2024 FSSP North Fork Shenandoah River @ public boat launch in Strasburg Park, Shenandoah County, VA

The two sites that have routinely exceeded freshwater Beach Action Value (BAV) of 235 CFU of E. coli bacteria per 100 mL of water sample are tributaries.  Site FPHCTL located on the Hawksbill Creek  of Luray off Virginia Ave. (Rt. 340) @ Pocket Park in Town of Luray in Page County.  The other site is FW36, the water sample is collected from Manassas Run, a tributary that flows into the River, upstream of its confluence with the Main-stem of the Shenandoah River in Warren County.

We monitor three sites near Morgan’s Ford bridge in Warren County, FW 35, FW35Mid, and FW36.

  • Site FW35 – the water sample is collected along the bank of the Main-stem Shenandoah River at Morgan’s Ford bridge public boat landing immediately downriver of the confluence with Manassas Run
  • Site FW35Mid – the water sample is collected mid-width (in the middle of the third pylon out from the eastside) of the Main-stem Shenandoah River at Morgan’s Ford bridge
  • Site FW36 – the water sample is collected from Manassas Run, a tributary that flows into the River, upstream of its confluence with the Main-stem of the Shenandoah River

Site FW 36, Manassas Run, typically has elevated E. coli levels that at times can contribute to higher E. coli levels along the bank, at site FW35, then the E. coli levels measured just straight out further in the middle of the River at site FW35Mid.  Typically, people, especially children, can be seen playing in the river along the bank just downstream of the confluence of Manassas Run.  We collect the three samples at this site to make people aware of the immediate effect a tributary can have on water-quality just downstream of a confluence.

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E. Coli Test results for July 6, 2024

These results provide a snapshot of the E. coli bacteria concentrations at the designated sites on the date, time, and under the conditions that the water samples were collected.

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Test Results Archive

E. coli Results Tell a Mixed Tale Along the River: From Below Threshold to Concerning Levels

As the summer of 2025 comes to a close, Friends of the Shenandoah River (FOSR) has completed its final E. coli monitoring event for the season. Of the 14 sites tested on Thursday, September 18,

Did the Streak Continue For a Fourth Consecutive E. coli Testing Event?

Unfortunately, no, the E. coli level measured in the Shenandoah River at Lockes Landing public boat landing (site FC05) in Clarke County, VA was 248.1 MPN (most probable number) of colony-forming units per 100 mL

The Streak Continues: All River Sites Test Below E. coli Limit for Third Straight Time!

Great news heading into the holiday weekend, with no rain in the forecast, we’re hopeful that E. coli levels will stay consistent with yesterday’s results at the river sites we tested, which were all below

All River Sites Test Below E. coli Limit for Second Consecutive Time

Friends: This week’s testing results show the E. coli levels at all monitored sites, except one, were below the EPA’s recommended “do not exceed” threshold of 235 CFU per 100mL of water sample. As in

E. coli levels at all River sites below threshold

The E. coli levels at all the River sites and Manassas Run (FW36, Warren County VA) tested were below the EPA’s recommended “do not exceed” threshold of 235 CFU of E. coli bacteria per 100mL

Significant Change in E. coli Levels at Hawksbill Creek Site

In addition to lower water levels, mostly clearer conditions, and cooler temperatures this week, we observed a significant change in the E. coli level at our Hawksbill Creek site near the Luray-Hawksbill Greenway Pocket Park.

Good news! Our latest E. coli results show lower levels

While collecting water samples yesterday along the North Fork, South Fork, and Main-stem of the Shenandoah River, we couldn’t help but notice how many people were out enjoying the River! From fishing and kayaking to

“Flush” of pollutants from past weekend’s heavy rains continues to move downstream.

At only one River site this week, the northernmost testing site on the Main-stem Shenandoah River, FC08 Castleman’s Ferry public boat launch in Clarke County VA, the E. coli level of 365.4 CFU/100mL exceeded the

Heavy Rains May Affect Measured E. coli levels

Folks, the E. coli levels measured for the water samples collected and tested yesterday, July 16, may no longer represent current water quality. It is important to remember that the water quality results reflect E.

E. coli Levels Decrease, But Some Sites Still Elevated

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

CODE RED for ALL Sites Tested

All four sites tested on the Shenandoah River Main-stem, along with three sites on the South Fork and three on the North Fork, had elevated E. coli levels exceeding the EPA’s recommended “do not exceed”

Water levels at all the sites we tested have decreased since last week

The water levels at all the sites we tested have decreased since last week, additionally, at many of the sites the water was less turbid/muddy, improving the water’s clarity. In the midst of this recent

CODE RED DAY on the SHENANDOAH RIVER

Heads up, folks! The water sample results from yesterday’s testing are in — and it’s not good news Due to high levels of bacterial contamination from fecal matter at the majority of the sites tested

North Fork appeared significantly more turbid, higher E. coli levels than the South Fork

On June 11, 2025, while collecting water samples for Friends of the Shenandoah River’s summer E. coli testing program, we observed that the North Fork appeared significantly more turbid and had higher E. coli levels

Did you know your donation of any amount will help continue this testing program? https://fosr.org/donate/ Good news for the Shenandoah River sites we tested on June 4! All 13 public access sites showed E. coli