The Weekly Ohio River Water Quality Report provides basic water quality and river condition information for six locations along the Ohio River: Pittsburgh, Wheeling, Huntington, Cincinnati, Louisville, and Evansville. The report is updated weekly, and is intended to provide river users with basic information about the Ohio River.
For more information on ORSANCO’s Weekly Water Quality Report, please contact Lila Xepoleas Ziolkowski.
Water Quality Report for 3.20.26:
- Temperatures have actually decreased at most locations on the river.
- Turbidity has decreased in all locations except for Louisville.
- Pittsburgh, Wheeling, and Louisville stages will remain steady this week, while Huntington, Cincinnati, and Evansville will drop a few more feet over the next few days.
- All stages have dropped from last week; Evansville is still currently in Action stage.
- Minor variations are projected in velocities this week.
Water Temperature– River water temperatures are measured sub-surface at intake depths and may not be reflective of the current temperature at the surface.
Turbidity– The measure of light scattering particles in the water that make the water look murky or muddy; the lower the turbidity, the clearer the water. The turbidity of the Ohio River can range from as low as single digits to 1200 NTUs (nephelometric turbidity units) as seen during flood conditions.
Stage– The measurement of the vertical elevation of the surface of the river
Velocity– How fast the water is moving. Velocities on the Ohio River can range from 0.1 mph under low flow to 5 mph at flood stage.
Flow– How much water is moving. The volume of water moving in kilo cubic feet per second. (KCFS) . 1 cubic foot is about the size of a basketball. Based on model-simulated projections at 7 am ET. Forecasts include expected precipitation through the first 48 hours.
Bacteria– Bacteria concentrations in the Ohio River (and tributaries) can change rapidly following rain events. Rain can wash land-based bacteria from the watershed into the river/tributaries. Bacteria can also enter the system following rain events from combined sewer overflows. Full body contact with the river water, i.e., swimming, is not recommended when E.coli concentrations exceed 240 CFU/100mL.
HAB– Harmful Algal Bloom. Cyanobacteria or green algae that may produce toxins and can be detrimental to mammals. Under HAB conditions, direct contact and ingestion are not recommended.
