Strong River

GREEN Water levels were low, no rain in that area for several days prior to sampling.

Today's test results showed a disturbing level of e coli colonies in these recreational waters: 5633 per 100 ml. Thus, D'Lo Water Park is considered red/or unsafe under EPA guidelines for recreational activities such as swimming. In contrast, concentration levels below 200 are considered relatively safe for human contact. The lower the number of e coli colonies present, the lower the probability of disease causing organisms. Consumption of or contact with water contaminated with feces of warm-blooded animals can cause a variety of illnesses. Pathogens that may cause only minor sickness in some can cause serious conditions or death in others, especially the very young, old, or those with weakened immunological systems. In addition, the river was a muddy brown color, indicating the water has increased turbidity levels. A possible source of this could be construction somewhere upstream. Turbidity or haze can interfere with ultraviolent sterilization of the water.

This testing was done 10 days after the 2020 Winter Flood of the Pearl River. North, central and south Mississippi were impacted by heavy rainfall that saw many lakes and streams topping their banks. D’Lo Water Park on Strong River peaked at gauge 20 ft/5000 cfs and experienced some overbank flooding near the channel. There were no lasting effects of the record setting flood. Today’s water test showed 167 e coli per 100 ml. The lower the number of e coli present, the lower the probability of disease-causing microorganisms. Based on EPA guidelines, D’Lo Water Park is considered green/safe for recreational activities such as swimming, kayaking, etc.
Note: A small patch of foam, usually harmless, was found near the launch entrance. This is common during fall and spring as plants/trees drop their leaves and aquatic plants begin to die back and decompose. However, excessive foam is sometimes the result of too much phosphorus in the water. Phosphorus is not found abundantly in nature and too much of it is indicative of pollution from human activities.

There was no evidence of e coli found in the water samples tested. The water was swift and stained. Please be aware hypothermia is always a concern this time of year with water temps falling below 60 degrees.

Today's test results show another extremely high level of e coli, i.e. 6633 per 100 ml. In comparison, concentration levels below 200 are considered relatively safe for human contact. Some possible sources of fecal contamination include; agricultural runoff, wildlife that use the water as their natural habitat, runoff from areas contaminated with pet manure, wastewater treatment plants, and on-site septic systems. Heavy precipitation may cause these organisms to be washed into creeks, rivers, streams, lakes, or ground water. Minor flooding is forecast for the Strong river and waterpark in next 5 days.

Strong River begins in the Bienville National Forest near Morton and flows southwest past Pucket and Mendenhall before joining the Pearl River. It's drainage area is 425 sq. miles. Today's test results show an extremely high level of e coli, i.e. 8000 per 100 ml.

Some possible sources of fecal contamination include; agricultural runoff, wildlife that use the water as their natural habitat, runoff from areas contaminated with pet manure, wastewater treatment plants, and on-site septic systems. Heavy precipitation may cause these organisms to be washed into creeks, rivers, streams, lakes, or ground water.

Due to recent rains, water levels were high (21ft) which is well above normal stage. Minor flooding begins at 25 ft. Both Merit and D'Lo water parks were closed to the public. The river is dangerous (cfs 6,000) and better left to skilled kayakers or canoeists whose craft are supported by flotation bags.