Colorado River serves 40 million people in seven states. DEQ’s recreational water quality monitoring checks for two health concerns: Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) and Waterborne Pathogens (E. coli). Find the most recent Colorado River monitoring information below.
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Updates
November 1, 2025: Recreational water quality monitoring update
Recreational water quality monitoring has ended for the season. Monitoring will resume in June or July 2026. Harmful algal blooms can occur year-round, so know what to look for and always check before recreating.
October 2, 2025: Waterborne pathogen (E. coli) monitoring update
GOOD NEWS: E. coli counts were measured below recreational thresholds. Sampling suggests that the water is safe from harmful bacteria and viruses.
Sites sampled: US 191 crossing near Moab, below Salt Wash at Take Out Beach
July 15, 2025: Waterborne pathogen (E. coli) monitoring update
GOOD NEWS: E. coli counts were measured below recreational thresholds. Sampling suggests that the water is safe from harmful bacteria and viruses.
Sites sampled: US 191 crossing near Moab, below Salt Wash at Take Out Beach
June 21, 2025: Waterborne pathogen (E. coli) monitoring update
GOOD NEWS: E. coli counts were measured below recreational thresholds. Sampling suggests that the water is safe from harmful bacteria and viruses.
Sites sampled: US 191 crossing near Moab, below Salt Wash at Take Out Beach