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, 2024: Harmful algal bloom (HAB) and E. coli monitoring update
Recreational water quality monitoring has ended for the season. Monitoring will resume in summer 2025. Harmful algal blooms can occur year-round, so know what to look for and always check before recreating.
September 25, 2024: Waterborne pathogen (E. coli) monitoring update
GOOD NEWS: E. coli counts were measured below Utah Department of Health recreational thresholds. Sampling suggests that the water is safe from harmful bacteria and viruses.
Site sampled: US 191 crossing near Moab, below Salt Wash at Take Out Beach.
July 15, 2024: Waterborne pathogen (E. coli) monitoring update
GOOD NEWS: E. coli counts were measured below Utah Department of Health recreational thresholds. Sampling suggests that the water is safe from harmful bacteria and viruses.
Site sampled: US 191 crossing near Moab, below Salt Wash at Take Out Beach.
June 16, 2024: Waterborne pathogen (E. coli) monitoring update
GOOD NEWS: E. coli counts were measured below Utah Department of Health recreational thresholds. Sampling suggests that the water is safe from harmful bacteria and viruses.
Site sampled: US 191 crossing near Moab, below Salt Wash at Take Out Beach.
May 16, 2024: Waterborne pathogen (E. coli) monitoring update
GOOD NEWS: E. coli counts were measured below Utah Department of Health recreational thresholds. Sampling suggests that the water is safe from harmful bacteria and viruses.
Site sampled: at US 191 crossing near Moab, below Salt Wash at takeout beach