Bacteria sampling at the South Platte-Cherry Creek Confluence is conducted at three sites weekly from late May through September and bi-weekly through the rest of the year. The state's water quality guidance for bacteria is based on E. coli concentrations, which are measured in "colony forming units" (cfu) per 100 milliliters (ml). DEH posts warning advisories if the concentration is at or above 235 cfu/100ml.
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Most Recent Monitoring Results
The sampling locations are located in the South Platte upstream of the confluence and in Cherry Creek upstream of the confluence. The most recent sample results includes the following:
Results in red indicate numbers that exceeded the advisory level of 235 cfu/100ml.
Results from May 2009 to present
Regardless of recent sampling results, people should always use caution when recreating in surface waters, particularly in urban areas.
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Elevated bacteria levels can cause illness.
What if bacteria levels exceed the state advisory?
When E. coli levels exceed the state guidance level of 235 cfu/100ml, there is an elevated risk of sickness as a result of water intake. Typical symptoms include nausea and gastrointestinal issues.
When the advisory level is exceeded, City personnel will update the yellow informational sign at the confluence with a red cautionary version. This diamond shaped cautionary sign informs recreationist that recent findings indicate elevated risk based on the most recently measured bacteria levels. The sign will be replaced with the yellow information version when monitoring results indicate bacteria concentrations are below the state advisory level.
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Last updated 8/15009