Division of Water Quality
Fremont River Recreational Monitoring
The Fremont River is a tributary of the Colorado River system in south‑central Utah that flows east from the slopes of Thousand Lake Mountain through Capitol Reef National Park before joining Muddy Creek to form the Dirty Devil River. DEQ’s recreational water quality monitoring checks for two health concerns: Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) and Waterborne Pathogens (E. coli). Find the most recent monitoring information below.
Warning Advisory
Harmful bacteria/viruses present
- Do not swim in this area
- Do not drink the water
- Wash hands with soap and clean water after contact with lake or river water
Updates
August 28, 2026: Waterborne pathogen (E. coli) monitoring update
BE CAREFUL: E. coli counts at Fremont River are above safe recreational thresholds. Sampling suggests that there is a high likelihood that harmful bacteria and/or viruses are present in the water. Exposure to this water may make humans sick.
If you visit the river:
- Do not swim
- Do not get water in your mouth
- Wash hands with soap and water after touching water
- Learn more about waterborne pathogens
Site(s) sampled: Hickman Bridge Trailhead, Fruita Campground Crossing
June 29, 2026: Waterborne pathogen (E. coli) monitoring update
BE CAREFUL: E. coli counts at Fremont River are above safe recreational thresholds. Sampling suggests that there is a high likelihood that harmful bacteria and/or viruses are present in the water. Exposure to this water may make humans sick.
If you visit the river:
- Do not swim
- Do not get water in your mouth
- Wash hands with soap and water after touching water
- Learn more about waterborne pathogens