Officials warn of high E. coli levels in Chattahoochee River

The Chattahoochee River is a popular summer destination for people across metro Atlanta looking to boat, swim and cool off — but officials are warning residents to stay out of the water for now.

(CNN)- The Chattahoochee River is a popular summer destination for people across metro Atlanta looking to boat, swim and cool off — but officials are warning residents to stay out of the water for now.

“Throughout metro Atlanta right now it’s a good idea to probably stay out of the river for now,” said Jessica Sterline with the Chattahoochee Riverkeeper.

The organization monitors the health of the river and says E. coli levels have surged following recent heavy rain.

“E. coli levels have increased due to heavy rain events,” Sterline said. “Anything that’s on the ground will get swept up and put into the river and that causes increases in E. coli levels.”

Officials say the current reading sits at 1,700 colony counts per 100 milliliters of water.

A healthy range is considered below 235.

“E. coli is bacteria that’s in the guts of warm-blooded animals and it’s the best indication of sewage contamination in freshwater,” Sterline explained.

Some strains of the bacteria can make people sick, causing symptoms such as stomach cramps, pain and vomiting.

Officials are encouraging people to use caution and avoid entering the river until conditions improve.

“People want to get out on the river, get wet, have fun,” Sterline said. “But we always tell people if the river is high and muddy and if there’s been a recent rain event that you want to use caution when contacting the water.”