Rials Creek

Red Advisory Consumption of or contact with water contaminated with feces of warm-blooded animals can cause a variety of illnesses. Minor gastrointestinal discomfort is probably the most common symptom; however, pathogens that may cause only minor sickness in some people may cause serious conditions or death in others, especially in the very young, old, or those with weakened immunological systems.

No photos for this visit, lost my phone in the falls.

Red Advisory

Red Advisory

Green advisory

Green Advisory using the Beach Action Value scale. Two water samples were tested.

BAV=Green Water levels very low. Tested on a hot dry day.

Green Advisory Congratulations!!! Thanks for keeping our rivers and streams clean and safe for recreational use.

GREEN Low gauge and no rain for past week.

Water testing at Merit Falls on Rials Creek resumed in June, 2020 following a three month absence. Today’s water tests showed 266 e coli colonies per 100 ml of water. Thus, Merit Falls is considered red/or unsafe under EPA Beach Action guidelines for recreational swimming. 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. Consumption of or contact with water contaminated with feces of warm-blooded animals can cause a variety of illnesses.