Rials Creek

This testing was done ten days after the 2020 winter flood of the Pearl River. North, central and south Mississippi were impacted by heavy rainfall that saw many streams topping their banks. Merit Water Park on Rials Creek sustained little to no lasting effects of the record setting flood. Today’s water test showed 33.33 e coli per 100 ml. The lower the number of e coli present, the lower the probability of disease-causing microorganisms. Thus, Merit Falls is considered green/or safe under EPA guidelines for recreational activities such as swimming.

Today's test results show an extremely high level of e coli, i.e. 5333 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. Consumption of or contact with water contaminated with feces of warm-blooded animals can cause a variety of illnesses.

Three replicate samples were tested; there was no ecoli present.

Merit Water Park is located on Rials Creek, a tributary of the Strong River in Simpson County, MS.

Water levels were high due to recent rainfall. Both Merit and D'Lo water parks were closed to the public.

Merit Park gate was padlocked per offseason policy. Carolyn from D'Lo office drove over to let me inside. A few pepsi cans and other trash were observed. I carried 2 to the trash receptacle.

Merit Falls is located on Rials Creek, a tributary for the Strong River in Simpson County. The Strong eventually empties into the Pearl River. We are citizen volunteers dedicated to improving the Pearl River watershed through restoration, advocacy and education. To find out more about our mission and to see how you can help, go to pearlriverkeeper.com.