Atlanta, GA
High E. coli levels along Chattahoochee River force business closures after days of rain
Elevated E. coli levels along parts of the Chattahoochee River are forcing some businesses to temporarily shut down operations as officials continue monitoring unsafe water conditions following days of heavy rain.
The Chattahoochee Riverkeeper says spikes in bacteria levels after storms are common, but experts say the duration of the current contamination event is unusual.
“Typically we have a 24-hour period after a rain event where the river might look a little brown and have some elevated levels,” said Britt Oxford, general manager of Atlanta operations for Nantahala Outdoor Center. “But right now, with continuous rain for almost five days now, it’s just kind of held on and staying elevated.”
Oxford said prolonged rain combined with ongoing drought conditions have contributed to the lingering contamination, adding that he hasn’t seen levels stay elevated this long since Hurricane Helene.
On Wednesday, the U.S. Geological Survey measured E. coli levels as high as 2,500. Water is generally considered unsafe for recreation when levels exceed 235.
The Chattahoochee Riverkeeper says elevated bacteria levels have stretched across parts of Fulton, Cobb, Forsyth and Gwinnett counties, impacting an estimated 20 businesses along the river.
Health experts warn that exposure to contaminated water can cause symptoms including vomiting, diarrhea and infections.
Despite the warnings, some people were still spotted near the river Wednesday.
“I mean, we’re pretty much in the summer weather and I know I’ve seen folks near the water wanting to go fish, treat it like a beach or a pool,” said Annabelle Ombac, who was hiking near Nantahala Outdoor Center’s Powers Island outpost.
Oxford said the prolonged contamination is affecting both businesses and longtime Atlanta traditions centered around the river.
“The thing that’s heartbreaking for me is we are the gateway for people to access the river,” Oxford said. “They’re not able to access the river. And it’s kind of a tradition a lot of people have in the city.”
Josh Schulman, who was running along the river Wednesday, said access to the Chattahoochee is one of the metro area’s defining features.
“Having the Chattahoochee here is a treat,” Schulman said. “It’s a gift to be able to have this as part of a major metro area.”
Oxford said river conditions should improve roughly a day after the rain clears, but until then, businesses will continue monitoring water quality and adjusting operations accordingly.
Travel trends nationwide suggest more people are staying close to home this year due to higher oil and gas prices. Some 71 percent of Americans plan road trips for summer vacations, according to Hilton’s 2026 Trends Report.
Another study, by Bank of America, found consumers are responding to higher gas prices by taking fewer trips, reducing travel budgets, cutting back on accommodations, or choosing destinations closer to home.
Catcher Jair Camargo collected his first big league hit in the top of the ninth tonight. He was added for the double-header today.
This was his first MLB appearance since 2024 with the Twins. He was hitless in seven plate appearances for Minnesota.
He struck out in his first at bat with Atlanta before doubling for his first base knock.
Congratulations.
Communities across metro Atlanta are hosting Juneteenth festivals, performances, markets and family-friendly events over the next several days. President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863. The holiday commemorates the day in 1865 when Texas learned that slavery had ended and the last of the enslaved people were to be freed.
Historian Henry Louis Gates has estimated there were about 250,000 freed in the state of Texas.
Below are some of the events taking place around metro Atlanta.
Sandy Springs
The city’s annual Juneteenth celebration will be held from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Friday at City Springs. The event will feature live performances, art exhibits, artisan vendors, food trucks and more.
Roswell
Roswell will host an artisan market honoring Juneteenth at 1 p.m. Friday in the lobby of the Roswell Cultural Arts Center.
According to a city statement, “This is your opportunity to meet the creators behind the work, hear their stories firsthand, and take a piece of the experience home. Artists will have additional prints and affordable original pieces available for purchase, making this a wonderful chance to invest in and celebrate the work of African American artists in our community.”
Gwinnett
Several Juneteenth events are planned throughout Gwinnett County.
In Norcross, cellist Okorie “OkCello” Johnson and the Wonders of Worship Youth Choir from Hopewell Baptist Church will perform at the Cultural Arts and Community Center at 11 a.m. Friday.
In Lilburn, the GAPS Society, representing Georgia Autism Parental Support, will host food, games and activities for all ages from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Friday at J.B. Williams Park.
The United Ebony Society will celebrate Juneteenth on Saturday at the Gwinnett County Fairgrounds with a festival featuring music, games and food from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
The Black Women’s Association of Sugar Hill will host its seventh annual Juneteenth event with the Miss Juneteenth pageant, music, food, games, and a scholarship award. The festivities will take place from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. at 5039 W. Broad Street.
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