Babies in the creek? - Page 2

[riverundine]

i wouldn't be able to bring myself to say no to the creek.  i do agree that the colder water is better, the earlier the run-off the better, etc.  after the rain, though, i'd be more cautious.  my mom's creek is right near the spring/source, but the septic systems overflow into the creeks in pittsburgh and they all get super nasty after a rain.  our creek is at 8000' with only two homes above us before reaching the source, no grazing, no anything, so i feel very safe with our water, at any flow.  stagnation does foster the yuckies, though.  i've been a river guide for years, have rafted and kayaked and swallowed water all over the US, and been fine...except for that one time.  it was low low water in the southern sierras - high desert mountain river, with lots of grazing and camping...and i think i got an undetected uti from the e. coli that transformed into an absolutely heinous kidney infection.  i called osha, but they weren't interested  in testing/helping/anything.  getting the water tested might give you better peace of mind.  i still feel safer in fresh water than in a public chlorine bath, generally speaking.