This site itself is lightly used for recreation but is an entry point for paddlers travelling down the Little Choctawhatchee River past the remains of the Old Power Dam to the Choctawhatchee River and the boat ramp at Clayhatchee or beyond.
Historical data for the site is available at the Alabama Water Watch website under Site Code 04007028. There have been data with moderate levels of bacteria and observations suggesting even higher levels reported by paddlers and fishermen.
Until fairly recently the Little Choctawhatchee River had high bacteria counts every time there was a good rain event. Smaller rain events delivered and still deliver bacteria from livestock in tributaries not far upstream. Large storms caused and may still cause bacteria from sewer overflows to enter the stream. Although the offending Beaver Creek WWTP is closed there has not yet been enough data collected to rule out problems from sanitary sewer overflows (SSOs) and while improved the warning system for SSOs is still inadequate. Folks using this site should avoid using it for swimming immediately after and up to perhaps 48 hours after a large rain event.
Keep your distance from other people.
Practicing social distancing is still essential. Only go to the beach if you are able to keep 6 feet or 2 meters away from others. Follow the instructions provided by your local health authorities. If your community has asked that you remain indoors and away from others, do so. Spending a day in any crowded place is the worst thing we can do for our most vulnerable right now and will counter our efforts to curb the virus’s spread.
- Met water quality standards less than 60% of the time
Historical Status
Keep your distance from other people.
Practicing social distancing is still essential. Only go to the beach if you are able to keep 6 feet or 2 meters away from others. Follow the instructions provided by your local health authorities. If your community has asked that you remain indoors and away from others, do so. Spending a day in any crowded place is the worst thing we can do for our most vulnerable right now and will counter our efforts to curb the virus’s spread.
- Met water quality standards less than 60% of the time
- Historical Status
This site itself is lightly used for recreation but is an entry point for paddlers travelling down the Little Choctawhatchee River past the remains of the Old Power Dam to the Choctawhatchee River and the boat ramp at Clayhatchee or beyond.
Historical data for the site is available at the Alabama Water Watch website under Site Code 04007028. There have been data with moderate levels of bacteria and observations suggesting even higher levels reported by paddlers and fishermen.
Until fairly recently the Little Choctawhatchee River had high bacteria counts every time there was a good rain event. Smaller rain events delivered and still deliver bacteria from livestock in tributaries not far upstream. Large storms caused and may still cause bacteria from sewer overflows to enter the stream. Although the offending Beaver Creek WWTP is closed there has not yet been enough data collected to rule out problems from sanitary sewer overflows (SSOs) and while improved the warning system for SSOs is still inadequate. Folks using this site should avoid using it for swimming immediately after and up to perhaps 48 hours after a large rain event.
