SWAMP - Recreational Water Quality Monitoring

Visit the Lower American River page to get the latest monitoring results and learn more about the Lower American River Bacteria Study.

Wolf Creek, a Sierra Foothills watershed in Nevada County, is listed as impaired due to indicator bacteria on California’s 303(d) List. This study will focus sampling on E. coli, an indicator of fecal pollution and potential pathogens, along Wolf Creek, as well as select tributaries. Starting mid-June 2024, data will be gathered to better understand the presence/absence of fecal pollution and potential sources.

Weekly water samples are being collected on a 32-mile reach of the San Joaquin River from Millerton Lake to Skaggs Bridge. This reach of the river serves as the boundary between Fresno and Madera Counties and includes the planned San Joaquin River Parkway managed by the San Joaquin River Conservancy. Parks and recreational areas on the San Joaquin River are important habitat areas for wildlife and provide opportunities for boating, fishing, bird watching, and swimming. Sampling sites include the popular Fresno County Recreation Areas at Lost Lake and Skaggs Bridge parks, as well as recreation sites at Millerton Lake, Friant Cove, Sycamore Island, and River Bottom Park.

• View the latest monitoring results:
  • Interactive Online Map
  • Summary Table

The Kings River is the largest river draining the southern Sierra Nevada. The river flows west from its headwaters in the remote Kings Canyon National Park to the agricultural San Joaquin Valley. Pine Flat Reservoir in the Sierra Nevada foothills is a popular boating and recreation destination in Fresno County. Below the Pine Flat Dam, the Kings River provides great opportunities for fishing and boating.

Weekly water samples are being collected at seven recreation sites in the Kings River watershed: Island Park on Pine Flat Lake, Avocado Lake near Sanger, and along the Kings River at North River Access Park, Choinumni Park, Winton Park, Thorburn River Access Park, and Reedley Beach.

• View the latest monitoring results
  • Interactive Online Map
  • Summary Table

• California Safe to Swim Map
  This interactive map on the Safe to Swim Portal displays bacteria data over time for coastal and inland monitoring locations throughout the state.
• California Harmful Algal Blooms Portal
  The Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) Portal is the central resource for HABs in California. HABs can produce toxins that cause illnesses in people and animals. Visit the portal to learn more about HABs and see the latest bloom reports.
• Healthy Swimming at Oceans, Lakes, and Rivers
  Visit CDC’s website to learn how to protect yourself and your family when swimming in oceans, lakes, and rivers.
  
• Download Water Board monitoring data:
  • California Open Data Portal
    • Fecal Indicator Bacteria Results
    • Central Valley Water Board Draft E. coli Results
  • California Environmental Data Exchange Network (CEDEN)
• Statewide Bacteria Water Quality Objectives
  In 2018 the State Water Board adopted new statewide bacteria water quality objectives to protect recreational users from the effects of pathogens in California water bodies