Definitions of Water Quality Designations

The RiverCast Water Quality Designations provide recommendations about the suitability of the river for various recreational activities based upon predicted levels of bacteria in the river at a given time. The suitability of the water depends upon the type of recreational activity and the extent of contact with the water.

Direct contact recreation is also called "primary" contact recreation by state and federal authorities. As shown in the table below, primary contact recreation includes any activity that is likely to cause immersion in the water and includes jet skiing, swimming, kayaking, wading, and water skiing.

Secondary contact recreation is not likely to cause immersion in the water and is therefore less impacted by changes in water quality. Secondary contact includes but is not limited to rowing, power boating, and fishing.

The table below provides a summary of RiverCast Water Quality Designations as they relate to specific recreational activities.

Summary of RiverCast Water Quality Designations

GREEN - Predicted bacteria levels are low; water quality is suitable for all activities
Contact	Activity	RiverCast Recommendation
primary	jet skiing wakeboarding water skiing kayaking swimming events wading	Suitable
secondary	canoeing sculling/rowing power boating fishing	Suitable

YELLOW - Predicted bacteria levels are elevated; water quality may not be suitable for some activities.
Contact	Activity	RiverCast Recommendation
primary	jet skiing wakeboarding water skiing kayaking swimming events wading	May not be suitable
secondary	canoeing sculling/rowing power boating fishing	Suitable

RED - Predicted bacteria levels are high; water quality may not be suitable suitable for most activities.
Contact	Activity	RiverCast Recommendation
primary	jet skiing wakeboarding water skiing kayaking swimming events wading	Not suitable
secondary	canoeing sculling/rowing power boating fishing	May not be suitable*

* recreation may not be suitable due to high flows, poor bottom visibility, or physical drowning dangers associated with these conditions and is up to the individual to determine based on other criteria including boating advisories and recommendations by the proper authorities.