Wildlife and nature

Animal shelters and rescues

Theater and dance

Rivers, parks and trails

Hunger and food

Schools and learning

Housing and homelessness

Community health

Mental health

Mentoring and foster care

Legal help and rights

Jobs and money help

Atlanta

The Triangle

Everywhere

The Collective Workshop

Royal Animal Refuge

Asian Americans Advancing Justice-Atlanta

Georgia Advancing Communities Together

Atlanta Writers Club

Cobb Collaborative

Bosleys Place

Jewish Fertility Foundation

Our mission is to educate, advocate and secure the protection and stewardship of the Chattahoochee River, including its lakes, tributaries and watershed, in order to restore and conserve their ecological health for the people and wildlife that depend on the river system and in recognition of the important ecosystem functions provided throughout the region and planet.
Established in 1994, Chattahoochee Riverkeeper employs a variety of strategies to protect and preserve the Chattahoochee River, its lakes and watershed. They include:
Over time, we have steadily grown in size, scope and influence:
Saving the Chattahoochee by Hal Jacobs tells the story of CRK’s Founding Riverkeeper Sally Bethea and the other women who defended the river over five decades. Bethea’s memoir, Keeping the Chattahoochee , was published in 2023 by University of Georgia Press.
Since 1994, our dedicated and diverse Board of Directors and Advisory Board has guided CRK in its transformation from a scrappy group of paddlers, scientists, anglers and environmental activists to a respected, but still scrappy, organization that has won many victories for the people and wildlife in the Chattahoochee River Basin.

Westside River Rendezvous

Buzzard Roost Island Camp & Paddle

Member Celebration

Meet & Greet

32nd Annual Patron Party

Join trash removal cleanups

Become Neighborhood Water Watch volunteer

Give

New reports of musty drinking water in Lake Lanier, metro Atlanta communities

In their report

Report attributes 45,000 fish killed in Chattahoochee River to combined sewer overflow

Investigation of Atlanta fish kill continues

Let's Chatt: Atlanta Fish Kill

Chattahoochee Riverkeeper files lawsuit against Columbus construction company

Drought, polluted runoff, and sewage overflows contribute to Chattahoochee River fish kill

CRK launches Swim Guide water safety program for 2026 season

Wastewater operator indicted for falsifying reports, polluting Chattahoochee River

What is a floating wetland trash trap?

Free music festival supports water conservation on Lake Lanier

Jason Ulseth

Henry Jacobs

Kyndall Thiessen

Tammy Bates

Candace Baumann

Madison Gordon

Jillian Griffin

Chris Manganiello

Scott Trostmann

CRK is pleased to host a cleanup with @atlwatershed along a section of Proctor Creek! 💧 Join us on Friday, November 13th from 1-4pm. Sign up to volunteer at chattahoochee.org/events (link in bio!)

PFAS, also known as forever chemicals, are in Georgia rivers. In light of a new report by @environmentgeorgia, Riverkeeper Jason Ulseth is advocating for change. "This is a call to action for everybody, including the state, to step up and start testing more of this PFAS," Ulseth said. The PFAS Transparency Act was proposed last year in the Georgia legislative session. If passed, it would require industry to disclose if they're sending PFAS to wastewater treatment plants. Read more from WABE at the link in bio 💧

More photos from last month's Becca Sue Klein All Kids Fish event on the Chattahoochee River! The future of fly fishing and conservation looks so bright. ☀️ Thanks again to @sauteenacoocheecenter, @coolrivertubingandadventures, @nacoocheeadventures, Hampshire Foundation, @orvis, @orvisatlanta, @columbiapfg, @reduceeveryday, @georgiapacific, @cargill, @gpdfoundation, @weinerandy and all our donors and volunteers for making this program possible. 🎣 📸 Special shoutout to @_josiekwan for capturing the day! You can find more photos in our Facebook album. @allkidsfish @ifishibelong @atlantaflyfishing @gawomenflyfishing

Thanks to reports from concerned residents near Opelika, CRK staff are tracking a sewage leak into a tributary of Halawakee Creek near the industrial park (separate from the sewer leak we located a month ago). We have reported this issue to the City of Opelika and will monitor water quality in the creek to make sure the leak is stopped.

Hopped out the Hooch and headed to the polls 🗳️ Your voice matters! Don't forget to vote today if you haven't already.

Our annual Member Celebration is this weekend! Join us for refreshments at @pontoonbrewing in Sandy Springs this Sunday, November 8 as we hear updates from Riverkeeper Jason Ulseth and recognize outstanding volunteers. We’re excited to have the band Nothin’ To Lose perform for us again! 🎶 The first 50 attendees will receive a complimentary half-pour courtesy of Pontoon Brewing. Hors d'oeuvres and non-alcoholic beverages will also be provided. This event is family friendly, dogs included! Free for all CRK members and volunteers to attend. RSVP at chattahoochee.org/events (link in bio)

There’s nothing as spooky as a polluted Chattahoochee! 👻 Bailey and Mr. Bones had a scary good time representing CRK at Don Carter State Park for the Halloween Trunk or Treat last weekend.

Columbus River Rendezvous returns on Saturday, November 7! 💧 Join CRK and our friends at @csuoxbowmeadows to help monitor water quality in the Chattahoochee River basin. No previous experience required, and all supplies will be provided. Sign up for this free event today at chattahoochee.org/events (link in bio). Or check out Headwaters River Rendezvous in Gainesville (November 7) and Westside River Rendezvous in Atlanta (November 21). Many thanks to @coxenterprises for sponsoring these events!

It's River Rendezvous season! 💧 These free, family-friendly water sampling events are a great way to get involved in community science. Join CRK and our partners at @csuoxbowmeadows, @uownathens, and @wawa_online for a brief training before heading out to nearby creeks to collect your samples. After you collect your samples, return to the starting point for a complimentary lunch while our teams begin analyzing water quality. 📝 Sign up to participate in a River Rendezvous near you at chattahoochee.org/events (link in bio). Thank you to our sponsors at @coxenterprises for supporting these events!

Making friendssss at the trash trap! 🐍

Having a blast learning about water systems and wildlife on board the West Point Lake Floating Classroom! 💧🦅 Since 2015, thousands of students and teachers have participated in field trips aboard the Miss Sally. Thanks to the generous support of donors, more than 23,000 students from Title I schools have participated at no cost to them. Thank you to Georgia State Senator Randy Robertson and Taylor Anne Jones with Congressman Brian Jack's office for joining a fun field trip with Hogansville Elementary! Learn more about the Floating Classroom programs on Lanier and West Point Lake at the link in our bio. 🔗

Chattahoochee Riverkeeper is 10,000 members strong! ✨ We couldn't do this work without you, so we hope you'll join us for our annual Member Celebration on Sunday, November 8 at @pontoonbrewing in Sandy Springs. This event is free for all CRK members and volunteers to attend. We'll socialize, hear updates from Riverkeeper Jason Ulseth, give away prizes, and recognize outstanding volunteers. The first 50 attendees will receive a complimentary half-pour courtesy of Pontoon Brewing. Hors d'oeuvres and non-alcoholic beverages will also be provided. Bring the whole family; dogs included! RSVP today at chattahoochee.org/events (link in bio)

Last Saturday, CRK hosted our seventh annual Becca Sue Klein All Girls Fish event on the Chattahoochee River in Helen, Georgia! 🌞 It was a beautiful day filled with outdoor education, fly fishing, and friendship. Thank you to @sauteenacoocheecenter, @coolrivertubingandadventures, @nacoocheeadventures, Hampshire Foundation, @orvis, @orvisatlanta, @columbiapfg, @reduceeveryday, @georgiapacific, @cargill, @gpdfoundation, @weinerandy and all our donors and volunteers for making this program possible. Together, we're empowering the next generation of fly anglers and conservationists. 🎣 Stay tuned for more photos from the day! Mark your calendars: registration for the next Becca Sue Klein All Kids Fish event opens in January 2027. Learn more at chattahoochee.org/allkidsfish @allkidsfish @ifishibelong @atlantaflyfishing @gawomenflyfishing

CRK is calling for permanent solutions to Phenix City’s ongoing wastewater treatment failures. CRK water monitoring and public records show that sanitary sewer overflows have occurred regularly in Phenix City since at least 2021. In March of 2025, we joined the State of Alabama in a lawsuit against Phenix City for its violations of the Clean Water Act and the Alabama Water Pollution Control Act. Thanks to our legal representation at @southernenvironment, we’re using our voice to advocate for necessary infrastructure upgrades that will protect water quality and all of us who depend on the Chattahoochee River for drinking water, fishing, and recreation. If you have questions, reach out to Henry Jacobs, CRK Deputy Director, at hjacobs@chattahoochee.org.

With support from @georgia_river_network, CRK installed a new trash trap in the City of South Fulton this week! 🗑️ The device will capture plastic litter and other pollutants that flow from the roadways into this tributary of Utoy Creek. It's anchored to the bank and floats on the water's surface to allow wildlife to easily pass under and over. Learn more about our trash trap program at the link in bio!

If you swing by The Reserve @linecreekbrewingnwn for drinks or pizza this Thursday, come say hi to CRK! We'll be hanging out from 6-8pm to share updates about our work in the Newnan area. See you then! 🍻

We had a great World Cleanup Day with our friends from @georgiaipl and @refugeenetwork! Despite the humidity, this crew pulled 860 pounds of trash (including 16 tires!) out of Utoy Creek, which was teeming with baby crawfish. 🦞💧 Thanks to everyone who joined us! #TrashFreeChattahoochee

CRK volunteers rely on insulated backpacks to keep their water samples ❄️ cool ❄️ on the journey from creek to lab. With River Rendezvous season coming up this November, you can help stock our Gainesville, Atlanta, LaGrange, and Columbus offices with cooler bags by shopping our Amazon Wishlist today! 🔗 link in bio

Tracking a water quality issue in Proctor Creek with the Atlanta Department of Watershed Management. Jason Ulseth, Riverkeeper, and Mike Meyers, Neighborhood Water Watch Director, joined DWM staff earlier this week to assist their field work - stay tuned for more updates.

Welcome, Olivia Sato! 💧 She is our second Neighborhood Water Watch intern in LaGrange. She introduces herself in her own words below. "My name is Olivia Sato, and I am a LaGrange, Georgia native. I graduated from @berrycollege in December 2025 with a B.S. in Biology. My concentration was in Wildlife/Ecology/Conservation and I minored in Chemistry and Environmental Science & Studies. While at Berry, I researched the non-native Asian swamp eel and fish ecophysiology in the Aquatics Lab. After graduating, I took a chance in terrestrial field work and found myself missing aquatic research. I have always loved the water and wanted to find a way to connect back with it. I have admired the work of Chattahoochee Riverkeeper ever since I was a little girl, and I am so lucky to have an opportunity to support their projects. It is the perfect intersection between my love for aquatic science and contributing to my community. I am excited to gain experience in water quality testing and learning more about what goes behind monitoring the Chattahoochee River!"

Related to the recent fish kill on Halawakee Creek in Lee County, AL, this afternoon (October 1) CRK staff walked the creek and tracked down a serious sewage leak. We notified the Alabama Department of Environmental Management and the City of Opelika; the city is actively working to stop the leak and repair the manhole.

On Big Halawakee Creek in Lee County, Alabama, Chattahoochee Riverkeeper staff are investigating the cause of a fish kill that occured earlier this week. Thank you to local residents for reporting this issue to CRK as well as the Alabama Department of Environmental Management. Stay tuned for more updates.

When Girl Scout Troop 219 needed more service hours to earn their conservation badges, they decided to help CRK clean out a trash trap! 🗑️ This tenacious troop spent the day with CRK Education & Watershed Protection Specialist Gillian Barber cleaning out the trap on Blue John Creek. Then, they turned their attention to the banks, picking up every bit of trash in the creek between the bridges – 138 lbs in total! After that, they removed invasive privet from the banks. Thanks for your hard work, Troop 219! 💚

With 100+ data centers already in operation and 140+ more planned, Georgia is among the top three states for new data center developments. Want to learn more about data centers, and the kinds of questions you should ask when one is proposed in your community? Check out the new toolkit developed by Drawdown Georgia: drawdownga.org/data-centers (link in bio) @drawdownga

Do you live in Metro Atlanta or around Lake Lanier? Have you noticed that your tap water tastes musty or like dirt? Drinking water providers around north Georgia that draw their water from Lake Lanier and the Chattahoochee River are reporting rising levels of compounds that cause these taste and odor problems. Fortunately, the water remains safe to drink and use. Read more about lake turnover on our blog at the link in bio 🔗 Pictured: A CRK intern collects water samples on Lake Lanier as part of monthly nutrient level monitoring.

Meet Scott Trostmann, CRK's Neighborhood Water Watch intern based in our LaGrange office! 🔬💧 Scott is currently a senior at @gsugeosciences with a concentration on Environmental Geoscience. Prior to school, he served nearly a decade with the U.S. Army. At GSU, his coursework helped him develop a passion for water quality, watershed science, and the conservation of freshwater ecosystems. After he graduates from GSU, he plans on pursuing a master's degree in Water Science. Scott spends much of his free time fishing, particularly for catfish and bass, which has made him more curious about the health of the aquatic ecosystems he frequents. That curiosity has grown into a desire to build a career studying and protecting freshwater resources. We're excited to have you on our team, Scott!

Out in the creek with Henry, Ashley, and Vanisha! Learn more about our trash trap program at the link in bio 🔗

Hi everyone! Kyndall Thiessen, CRK’s Development Director here 👋🏻 Last week, I had the awesome opportunity to attend the @waterkeeperalliance Global Conference in Quito, Ecuador. Scroll to see all that I learned and experienced with other Waterkeepers from around the world ➡️ We participated in a “minga,” a collective community cleanup event. The term “minga” comes from the indigenous Quichua language and describes the community’s way of meeting each other’s needs. We had the opportunity to choose from a few activities around the Rio San Pedro. I joined a tour from Wiwa, a local wildlife refugee group. All of us Waterkeepers were excited to see the Rio San Pedro! After the minga, we communed over a “pambamesa,” or “community table,” for a lunch of delicious local foods. On the shore of the Rio San Pedro, we laid flower petals in honor of our local bodies of water. We then released the petals into the river with a wish for our home waterbodies. My wish, of course, was for the continued restoration of the Chattahoochee River. Back at the conference center, Waterkeepers from around the globe shared their expertise. I especially enjoyed this session on raising an audacious fundraising goal from @ottawariverkeeper.garderiviere. See my dreams for CRK on the whiteboard! Where else would a group of water lovers host their regional breakout meeting? Making new friends 🦙 On the final day of the conference, we visited the “Mitad del Mundo,” or “Middle of the World,” on the equator. I’m grateful for this group of people fighting for clean water across the globe! Thanks for reading! I’m excited to bring all that I learned from my peers back to Georgia to continue funding our fight for a clean and sustainable Chattahoochee River! 💙

Last call for Water Warriors applications! CRK invites high school students to turn their passion for the environment into real action by joining the 2026-2027 Water Warriors on Campus cohort. Apply at the link in bio before the deadline on Monday, September 21! 📚

Data centers can place significant strain on our freshwater supply. Another concern? We don’t always know what lurks in their wastewater. Data centers have already been documented as potential sources of PFAS, heavy metals, and bacteria in wastewater. “We need to know what is in this wastewater but there is a void of information,” CRK’s Water Policy Director Chris Manganiello told The Guardian. Read more at the link in bio.

We are incredibly saddened by the passing of Gary Gaines, a friend and former board member of Chattahoochee Riverkeeper. Gary advocated for the Chattahoochee River for decades, becoming involved with CRK in 1994 when he was the first president of Lanier Canoe and Kayak Club. The club participated in many river cleanups in the headwaters region, and Gary was instrumental in developing the Upper Chattahoochee River Water Trail. Gary also supported CRK through his business, North Georgia Label. He loved the river so much that his grandkids took to calling him "Hooch" instead of Grandpa. Today, Gary's son Graham Gaines serves on CRK's Board of Directors. Our condolences to Gary's family, friends, and all who have benefitted from his love of the river. He will be missed. Pictured: Gary on the river; with boat; and with Bill Brooksher (center) and Chris Romberg (right).

Let us know what you thought of Swim Guide this summer! Fill out our two-minute survey at the link in bio. 🏊

On the Chattahoochee River in Columbus today for the ACF (Apalachicola-Chattahoochee-Flint) Stakeholders annual conference! 💧

World Cleanup Day is this Saturday, September 19! 🌎 Join CRK and our friends at @georgiaipl and @refugeenetwork as we clean up a tributary to the Chattahoochee River in Atlanta. Free to participate, but space is limited! Register today at the link in our bio. #worldcleanupday #trashfreechattahoochee

Thank you to everyone who joined us for our 32nd Annual Patron Party last Thursday at 42West! CRK was delighted to honor @trustforpublicland with our River Steward Award in recognition of their mission to connect all people with the outdoors. With your support, the Patron Party raised more than $172,000 for CRK’s water stewardship programs! Thank you to Trust for Public Land, our guest speaker @cityofatlantaga Mayor Andre Dickens, live artist @jmay_atl and all the sponsors and supporters who celebrated with us both online and in person. We couldn’t do this work without you. Photos by Randy McDow

Our 32nd annual Patron Party is TONIGHT! We’re thrilled to spend the evening celebrating supporters who have made significant contributions to CRK’s mission of protecting the Chattahoochee River. Whether you plan to attend in person or participate online, make sure you place your bids in the silent auction! The auction will close today at 6:15 p.m. (ET). Browse & bid or make a donation at the link in bio. ✨

CRK is excited to host a rare opportunity to paddle the beautiful Soque River in North Georgia as it flows to meet the Chattahoochee! Join us on Saturday, September 26 as we paddle three miles from Demorest to Cleveland. Optional camping on Friday night, and gear rental is available. 🏕️ 🛶 Register today at the link in bio.

Our Patron Party silent auction is now live! 🌟 You can participate online even if you don't plan to attend the event in person. The Patron Party is our largest fundraising event of the year, aiming to raise at least 20% of our annual operating budget. Every dollar raised in the auction will go directly towards critical programs like water quality testing, trash removal projects, youth education, and advocacy. 💧 Our offerings this year include fine art photography, fishing gear, handmade goods, local excursions, and relaxing getaways! Take a peek here and browse the full selection on our website (link in bio)

September 3, 2026 Swim Guide 💧 It's our final Swim Guide report of the season! Thank you so much for following along. View the interactive map and answers to frequently asked questions online at chattahoochee.org/swim-guide (link in bio) Have a great Labor Day weekend! 🛶

Join CRK for World Cleanup Day on Saturday, September 19! We’ll be cleaning up a tributary to the Chattahoochee River in Atlanta in partnership with @georgiaipl and @refugeenetwork. So far this year, we’ve removed nearly 39 TONS of trash and recyclables from our watershed. Help us get to 40 by signing up to volunteer at the link in bio! #worldcleanupday #trashfreechattahoochee

August 27, 2026 Swim Guide results 💧 Check out our interactive map at chattahoochee.org/swim-guide (link in bio) and find real-time bacteria estimates at bacterialert.org. Remember, it's best to exercise caution for 48 hours after it rains when the river is high and muddy! 🌧️ Have a great weekend! 🚣‍♂️

Last chance to RSVP for our 32nd Annual Patron Party! 💫 Ticket sales close today at 5:00 p.m. ET. More at the link in bio!

Counting down the days 'til our annual Patron Party on September 10 at 42West! ✨ We're excited for this year's event to take a more casual approach with heavy hors d'oeuvres, cocktails, and Riverkeeper Jason Ulseth's "State of the River" address. 🎟️ Tickets are on sale now through this Friday, August 28, starting at $50. Join the celebration and get tickets today at chattahoochee.org/patronparty (link in bio)!

August 20, 2026 Swim Guide 💧 Another great week for water quality on the main stem of the Chattahoochee River! Check out our interactive map at chattahoochee.org/swim-guide (link in bio) and view real-time bacteria estimates at bacterialert.org. Stay safe and have a great weekend! ☀️

Our annual Patron Party is just a few weeks away! 🌟 Join CRK at 42West as we celebrate our mission and honor @trustforpublicland with this year’s River Steward Award. A shift from the traditional banquet-style gala and seated program, this year’s event will take a more casual approach with heavy hors d’oeuvres, cocktails, and Riverkeeper Jason Ulseth’s “State of the River” address. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to network with other supporters who love the Chattahoochee River! Purchase tickets starting at $50 at the link in bio. Ticket sales will close next Friday, August 28.

Want to get involved in our trash trap program? CRK is seeking a Trash Trap Intern in our Smyrna office! This intern will assist with in-stream litter collection and data analysis. Learn more and view the application at the link in bio. 🗑️

Fly anglers wanted! 🎣 Join Chattahoochee Riverkeeper for the Becca Sue Klein All Kids Fish program in Helen, Georgia on October 17. We’re seeking volunteers both on and off the water to help kids feel confident as they dip their toes in the river to net their first fish. All skill levels welcome! Learn more and sign up at the link in bio or by texting ALLKIDSFISH to 41444. 🐟 📸: Photo by @matthewchoe2911 for Chattahoochee Riverkeeper @ifishibelong @allkidsfish @unitedwomenonthefly @atlantaflyfishing @ladiesinwadies @orvisflyfishing @orvis @orvisatlanta @orvisalpharetta @nacoocheeadventures @sauteenacoocheecenter @coolrivertubingandadventures

Join us for the Atlanta premiere of Groundswell! 🌱 CRK is pleased to co-host this screening at the Tara Theater on Wednesday, August 26, alongside @gcvoters and @georgiaorganics. Winner of the Golden Globe Prize for Documentary at the Cannes Film Festival this year, Groundswell will take you on a regeneration tour to countries on five continents. It shares entertaining and hopeful stories featuring a movement centered on solutions — from big and interrelated challenges, including the crises that farmers and ranchers are experiencing economically and mentally, the climate crisis, the extinction crisis, food insecurity, water scarcity, and biodiversity loss. After the film, stay for a special panel discussion moderated by Groundswell Executive Producer and CRK Co-Founder Laura Turner Seydel. 🎟️ $10 tickets on sale now at the link in bio! #GroundswellFilm #RegenerativeAgriculture #ClimateAction

Shout out to the six amazing high school students who participated in our Water Warriors on Summer Break program! This group spent the summer shadowing CRK staff in the lab and field – cleaning out trash traps, collecting water samples, and joining boat patrols on the river. We are so proud of all that this cohort accomplished and we look forward to seeing the positive impact they continue making in their communities. Stay tuned for an exciting announcement about next summer’s program! 📚🍎 Applications are now open for the October 2026 – April 2027 Water Warriors on Campus program. Learn more and apply at the link in bio! 📸: Brynn Pohlmann & Jillian Griffin

Swim Guide report for August 13, 2026 💧 Recent rains have caused elevated bacteria levels on some parts of the river. Remember to use caution when the river is high and muddy! Bacteria levels could come down if it stays dry, so check bacterialert.org for real-time estimates in the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area. ☀️🛶 View our map at chattahoochee.org/swim-guide (link in bio). Have a great weekend!

Come one, come all! There’s still time to RSVP for CRK’s 32nd Annual Patron Party on Thursday, September 10. Enjoy refreshments, network with fellow supporters, hear Riverkeeper Jason Ulseth’s annual “State of the River” address, and celebrate as CRK and friends honor @trustforpublicland with this year’s River Steward Award. 🎟️ Purchase tickets starting at $50 at the link in bio!

Know a volunteer or nonprofit protecting our planet? Nominate them for a chance to win up to $30,000 for their favorite environmental nonprofit. 💚 Nominate by Aug. 16 at the link in bio or CoxConservesHeroes.com. @coxenterprises #CoxConservesHeroes

Happy birthday, trash trap! 🎂 It’s been one year since we installed our Bandalong trash trap along the Peachtree Creek Greenway! Every time it rains, highway pollutants wash down into North Fork Peachtree Creek, which runs parallel to I-85 in Atlanta. This device floats on the surface of the creek to catch litter and debris so that it can be removed by CRK staff, interns, and volunteers before it flows downstream to the Chattahoochee River and breaks into microplastics. This trash trap is our most productive throughout the entire Chattahoochee watershed. Over the course of a year, we have removed more than 420 pounds of recyclables and 2,077 pounds of trash from this trap: a grand total of 2,497 pounds (619 cubic feet) of litter removed! The Peachtree Creek Greenway Bandalong also set a record this summer for CRK’s largest single-day trash trap haul, weighing in at 310 pounds of trash and recyclables in just one afternoon. Thank you to the City of Brookhaven, Bonneville Environmental Foundation, Microsoft, and volunteers from the Peachtree Creek Greenway for supporting this trash trap. Learn more about our trash trap program on our website at the link in bio. 📹: @jillianewhitt @bonnenviro @brookhavengagov @peachtreecreekgreenway #trashfreechattahoochee

In July, a volunteer with Chattahoochee Riverkeeper's Neighborhood Water Watch program noticed a strong odor on Roaring Branch Creek in Columbus. CRK tracked the odor to a diesel spill at the inactive Aludyne foundry located north of Columbus. We alerted the Columbus Consolidated Government and the Georgia Environmental Protection Division, prompting an investigation, containment efforts, a stop-work order, and fines. Read more from @kalamhunter @ledgerenquirer at the link in bio.

And the winner is... 🥁 Thanks to everyone who made a donation to CRK matched by the Johnson Ohana Foundation! Congrats to Jamie Newsome for winning our contest to see Jack Johnson in concert at Ameris Bank Amphitheater on August 21. We're so excited to team up with @jackjohnson as an @allatonce_org Non-Profit Partner on his Summer 2026 Tour! Come see us at the concert on the Village Green to connect, learn, and take action. Get involved at allatonce.org and learn more about the tour at jackjohnsonmusic.com 🎶

West Point Lake hosts millions of visitors every year and it’s important that they have a safe and enjoyable experience. CRK continues to raise awareness about potentially harmful algae blooms, especially for pets and people who are looking for a place to swim. On West Point Lake, we’ve received 7 reports in the past three weeks of harmful algal blooms (HABs). Testing confirmed that toxin-producing algae is present; in one case, the naturally occurring toxin levels were just above the EPA threshold for safe swimming (8 ug/L). All reported locations were isolated in shallow coves near the central portion of the lake. The blooms dissipated within 48 hours or less. While the lake is safe for swimming, it is important to be aware of HABs when recreating on West Point Lake or any other freshwater source. What to look for: bright green, yellow, or blue pond scum. HABs can produce toxins that could make people and pets very sick through skin contact, ingestion, or inhalation. It is important to stay away from discolored water and to supervise children and pets that play in shallow coves. There are many factors that contribute to HABs. Heavy rain, warm temperatures, and climate change may be causing HABs to be more prevalent this summer. If you suspect a HAB, please document the exact location, take photos/videos, and report it to the Georgia Environmental Protection Division or the Alabama Department of Environmental Management. You can also report it to CRK via our hotline program. Learn more on our website at the link in bio and help spread the word by sharing this information in your community.

August 6, 2026 Swim Guide report! Recent rain in the Headwaters and Atlanta have caused elevated bacteria levels on the main stem of the river. If the river is high and muddy, we recommend that people use caution when recreating. View our map and find more answers to frequently asked questions at the link in bio. Have a great weekend! 💧

Join our Neighborhood Water Watch team this fall! CRK is seeking interns to support our water quality monitoring efforts throughout the Chattahoochee River basin. Duties include water sample collection, lab work, data management and analysis, and public outreach. Learn more and apply at the link in bio. Pictured: Interns Alanis and Chris collect a water sample at Lake Lanier.

The deadline to enter to win Jack Johnson tickets is midnight tonight! The Johnson Ohana Foundation is matching donations to CRK up to a total of $2,500. Anyone who donates at the special link in our bio through the end of Thursday, August 6 will be entered for a chance to win two tickets to the August 21 show at Ameris Bank Amphitheatre. CRK will draw the winner tomorrow; stay tuned! Thanks for helping us keep watch over our waters. 💧

Great to spend time on Lake Lanier today for our annual staff & intern outing! ☀️ 📸: @saajan.joseph16

Support CRK and you could win a pair of tickets to see Jack Johnson in concert at Ameris Bank Amphitheatre on August 21! 🎶 The Johnson Ohana Foundation is matching donations to CRK up to a total of $2,500. When you donate at the link in our bio, your donation in support of CRK’s water protection programs will be doubled instantly. Plus, anyone who donates at the link before August 6 will be entered for a chance to win two tickets to the show. The winner will be drawn at the end of this week. Good luck and thanks for helping us keep watch over our waters! ✨ @jackjohnson @allatonce_org

Harmful algal blooms (or HABs) are becoming more common due to climate change and increasing nutrient pollution in freshwater. HABs occur when cyanobacteria grow out of control and produce toxins that can harm people, pets, and wildlife. They look like bright green, yellow, or blue pond scum and can make people and pets very sick through skin contact, ingestion, or inhalation. This summer, it’s important to stay away from discolored water and to supervise children and pets that may be playing in shallow coves. If you suspect a HAB, please document the exact location, take photos/videos, and report it to the Georgia Environmental Protection Division or the Alabama Department of Environmental Management. You can also report it to CRK via our hotline program. Learn more at chattahoochee.org/habs (link in bio) and help spread the word by sharing this information in your community.

July 30, 2026 Swim Guide Report 💧 With all the rain, bacteria levels are elevated in some areas of the Chattahoochee River watershed. 🌧️ Remember to use caution for 48 hours after it rains when the river is high and muddy, and check bacterialert.org for real-time estimates. Stay safe this weekend and view our interactive map at chattahoochee.org/swim-guide (link in bio) 🚣‍♂️

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