Three Rivers Waterkeeper Releases 2024 Swim Guide Report Highlighting E. coli Concerns And Health Of The Allegheny, Monongahela, Ohio Rivers

On February 21, the Pittsburgh-based Three Rivers Waterkeeper, a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting the water quality of the Allegheny, Monongahela, and Ohio Rivers, announced the release of the 2024 Swim Guide Report. 

The annual report provides vital information on the swimmability of regional waterways and underscores the importance of ongoing efforts to protect these essential natural resources. 

From May 23 to October 3, 2024, the 3RWK team collected weekly samples from five to six locations along key recreational sites to test for E. coli contamination. 

These tests help ensure that residents have the information they need to make safe and informed decisions about water recreation.

Key findings--

-- A total of 23 different sites were sampled, with a focus on four main recurring locations and additional rotating sites.

-- Recurring sites on the Ohio River (Kilbuck Fish and Boat Ramp) and the Confluence at Point State Park showed strong pass rates of 90%

-- The sites on the Allegheny River (Sharpsburg Boat Ramp) passed 80% of the time, 

-- The Duck Hollow site on the Monongahela River passed only 10% of the time

-- Girty’s Run, Allegheny River Tributary passed only 7.14% of the time.

-- Ohio River rotating sites had an overall pass rate of 67%, Allegheny River rotating sites had an overall pass rate of 43%, and Monongahela River rotating sites only passed 33% of the time.

-- Elevated E. coli levels were observed even during dry weather conditions at some locations, including Girty’s Run and Duck Hollow, which failed recreational standards for E. coli on nearly every sampling event.

Climate change is expected to bring more intense and frequent rainfall events to the region, which will likely exacerbate untreated sewage discharged into waterways. 

The report emphasizes the urgent need for infrastructure improvements and heightened public awareness to address these environmental threats.

"Swim guide in particular allows us to provide the community with near-real time data about the E.coli levels in our waterways. We love when we’re able to provide information about areas that are important to community members.," said Koa Reitz, Three Rivers Waterkeeper’s Environmental Scientist. "Looking ahead, we hope to expand our volunteer sampling efforts and educational outreach in 2025 to continue providing crucial data to our community."

Click Here for a copy of the swim guide.

3RWK encourages residents to sign up for alerts from the Allegheny County Sanitary Authority's Sewer Overflow Advisory Key (SOAK) and participate in volunteer sampling events. 

Donations and support for the Swim Guide program are essential for expanding monitoring efforts and advocating for cleaner water.

Founded in 2009, Three Rivers Waterkeeper is a proud member of the global Waterkeeper Alliance. 

The organization serves as a scientific and legal advocate for the community, ensuring that the Allegheny, Monongahela, and Ohio Rivers remain drinkable, fishable, and swimmable for generations to come.

[Posted: February 20, 2025]  PA Environment Digest