Sewage

Sewage can enter the river in many ways, from illegal discharges, operational issues at a waste water treatment plant, or from sewer overflows due to heavy rains. Regardless of how it enters the river, it makes the river unsafe and unenjoyable for recreation. Swimming, boating and other water-contact activities in fecal-contaminated streams and rivers can result in infections of the eyes, ears, nose and throat.

Unfortunately, sewage contamination is one of the most widespread problems in the Coosa Valley. Coosa Riverkeeper is concerned about the risk this poses to recreational swimmer and boaters. Therefore, we monitor waste water treatment plants and respond to citizen complaints about sewage dumping. The Riverkeeper tests for fecal coliform contamination and encourages able citizens to join in this volunteer monitoring effort by getting trained by Alabama Water Watch.

Sewage discharge from a waste water treatment plant mixes with Choccolocco Creek

Alabama Department of Environmental Management studies in 2002 show Choccolocco Creek definitely has fecal coliform problems, but studies from 1998 suggest the problem is common elsewhere on the river. A 2002 Alabama Department of Public Health study estimates that as many as 20% of houses in some counties like Cleburne may have inadequate sewage disposal.