Study: 2 of James River's cleanest water locations are in Henrico
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During the 2023 river season, James River Watch revealed a 82% bacteria pass rate with 12 sites (including two in Henrico) achieving the best results – a 100% bacteria pass rate all of the time. Those Henrico locations were at Deep Bottom Park and at Osborne Landing, both in Varina. The Rocketts Landing site at the Henrico/Richmond line, however, had just a 60% bacteria pass rate.
Water samples are taken every Thursday and measurements are used to track water temperature, air temperature, turbidity (or cloudiness), conductivity, and bacteria. The presence of high levels of fecal coliform bacteria can be harmful to human health, which in turn can affect river user safety.
A weekly newsletter alerts subscribers to new results each Friday; sign up by clicking here. The JRA website also displays stage and flow readings, as well as predictions from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and United States Geological Survey stream gauges. An interactive map allows users to see current conditions at a glance.
“For over a decade, the James River Watch Program has been helping to inform community members about river conditions before they go out to enjoy the river,” said Tom Dunlap, James Riverkeeper for JRA.
