We think so! Based on the information from the 2023 State of the Mill Creek address with Dr. Mike Miller, the Mill Creek Waters are on the mend. The 2022 MCA water quality monitoring program results indicated that the Mill Creek meets secondary recreational contact standards. (The secondary contact recreation classification describes aquatic activities when immersion is unlikely, such as boating, wading, and rowing.) Until we are able to achieve primary contact standards (under which swimming and full body immersion is considered safe), we recommend paddlers take care not to ingest or swim in the water and wash carefully after recreation activity.*
In full disclosure, there are inherent risks involved in paddling local streams. Paddlers may need to climb out of the canoe to get past shallow spots and low-head dams. You will need to be sure-footed in some places. Potential safety hazards include sudden drop-offs, hidden holes, foot entrapments, slippery algae, submerged obstacles, jagged objects and sealed bottles with volatile ingredients.
* In 2012, Ohio EPA recommended no contact with waters of the Mill Creek because it can have high levels pathogens from time to time, especially within 48 to 72 hours of a rainstorm heavy enough to cause combined sewer overflows. Many improvements have been made since 2012 but Ohio EPA has not yet lifted these recommendations.
It is your personal choice on whether to participate, based largely on the strength of your immune system and your willingness to take a calculated risk. If you have an open cut or weakened immunities, you should not go. You should be 18 or older to be on the water with us or be paddling with a parent/guardian.
More Info COMING SOON!
Indicators of Stream Health
and more…