Chattahoochee River Closure Extended Due To E. Coli Contamination

SANDY SPRINGS, GA — A partial closure of the Chattahoochee River was extended Sunday to all downstream portions of the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area due to E. coli contamination.

According to the Chattahoochee Riverkeeper, public health professionals advised the closure due to elevated levels of Escherichia coli, also known as E. coli, in the river.

A sewage spill near Willeo Creek Park in Roswell prompted the closure Friday that impacts portions of the river in Sandy Springs, from the Chattahoochee Nature Center to all downstream sections of the recreation area.

The Chattahoochee Riverkeeper said it is collecting and testing water samples, collaborating with the officials at the recreation area and is communicating with local city officials to address the contamination at Willeo Creek.

The Riverkeeper said the sewage spill was reported to the Georgia Environmental Protection Division.

Hiking trails, picnic shelters and the Hewlett Lodge visitor center remained open as of Sunday, according to the Riverkeeper.

"Water quality test data of July 2 reveal bacteria levels that exceed the Environmental Protection Agency recommended limits for recreation. The park is extending the closure to prioritize visitor safety. We will continue to monitor and test water quality in partnership with the local and federal agencies," officials with the Riverkeeper said in a statement.