Update 2019-12-17: Valdosta and Florida water quality data after Valdosta record raw sewage spill 2019-12-16.

Sara Jay took this video of Sugar Creek at Gornto Road, near The Salty Snapper and the YMCA, on Thursday, December 12, 2019, after Valdosta’s record-largest raw sewage spill.

As you can hear and see in the video, Sugar Creek, which usually runs clear, is cloudy from lime and dark at the edges out of the current.

Edge

Downstream

Upstream

Here’s a video I took of Sara collecting testing water at State Line Ramp on the Withlacoochee River, Wednesday, December 11, 2019.

For that Wednesday, the Withlacoochee tested clean in WWALS bacterial tests for E. coli at Knights Ferry Boat Ramp, Nankin Boat Ramp, and State Line Ramp.

The Suwannee River Water Management District (SRWMD)’s tests downstream on the Withlacoochee and Suwannee Rivers also showed minimal E. coli.

According to the City of Valdosta’s testing data, the sewage had not yet reached U.S. 84 by Thursday, December 12, although Sugar Creek was still filthy. Which matches what Sara saw that same Thursday.

Valdosta to Madison Blue Springs, in WWALS map of all public landings in the Suwannee River Basin, these all on the Withlacoochee and Little River Water Trail.

Remember, testing costs money for Petrifilms ($6 each bacterial test) and other supplies. You can help by donating to the WWALS water quality testing program.

Suzy Hall with a Petrifilm

Here’s a WWALS video playlist.

 -jsq, John S. Quarterman, Suwannee RIVERKEEPER®

You can join this fun and work by becoming a WWALS member today!

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