Download Swim Guide App Today for the Latest Results
By Kate Samson, Water Quality Assistant
Swimming season is off to a great start! Before you jump in, make sure it’s safe to swim. Check the most current water quality status on Columbia Riverkeeper's Swim Guide. We use E.coli data collected by our volunteers to flag Columbia River beaches that have high bacteria levels. Get the swim guide app today.
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Key: Green = Safe for swimming; Red = Swimming not recommended; Gray = No current data.[/caption]
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Portland sites all look good! We do not currently have data for Vancouver swim beaches.[/caption]
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Western Gorge: The Sandy River at Lewis and Clark State Park is already busy with swimmers on warm days.[/caption]
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Eastern Gorge: Hood River waterfront area sites are safe for swimming.
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What is E.coli?
E.coli is a naturally occurring bacteria that lives in the lower intestines of warm-blooded mammals. E.coli belongs to a group of bacteria, some of which are harmful, known as fecal coliform. E. coli is necessary for the digestion of food but its presence in rivers indicates fecal contamination. Common sources of E.coli include overflowing septic fields and sewage systems, and fecal matter from wildlife and pets.
Don’t see your favorite beach? Let us know! We’re adding new beaches all the time. Email at Kate@columbiariverkeeper.org, and be sure to get the swim guide app today!
