This week at Chattahoochee Riverkeeper, I went to go sample some more water from the river. Recently, R.M. Clayton Water Reclamation Center had released large amounts of untreated wastewater into the Chattahoochee river causing the E. Coli levels to reach 340 times greater than the recommended limit. R.M. Clayton Water Reclamation Center treats a large portion of the Atlanta’s wastewater, however the untreated wastewater polluted the river and affects the population that lives downstream of the sewage spill. I went to sample the water that was being directly released from the water treatment plant. Although I did not get the result back from the lab, news articles online state that it may take months for the e.coli levels to go back down. 

Although the drinking water from our tap is not affected, it is still unfair to the plants and communities downstream of the Chattahoochee that also have to deal with the highly contaminated water. Additionally, the wastewater being discharged back into the river will release foul odors in which communities living near the river will have to endure the consequences. It is scary to think about the individuals who are not aware of this incident. Exposure to E.coli is a risk in exposure to pathogens, therefore individuals who are not made aware of the situation and who also have a poor immune system become more vulnerable to sickness. 

I went to collect a water sample from this water treatment facility and it was definitely an experience. I went directly to the water discharge area to collect a sample but it was kind of scary since the water that is being released back into the river was splashing everywhere. Of course I was wearing proper PPE but nonetheless, being splashed with untreated sewage water was not the best scenario to be in.. More importantly, it was an eye opening experience. I only did it once, though, there are individuals who do this for a living. It really gave me a chance to be grateful to those who are willing to put themselves in uncomfortable positions to help the environment as well as the community.