We test popular swimming holes in the Youghiogheny watershed from May - September. Find our results here every Thursday!
Testing Local Swim Spots
Water quality is like the weather: it changes all the time. That's why it is important to check water quality every time you plan to swim.
State Parks and localities test public beaches. Our testing covers unofficial sites on rivers and creeks.
Bacteria (especially E. coli bacteria) is the main indicator of water quality problems. When bacteria levels are high, your risk illness is higher. When bacteria levels are low, people and wildlife are safer.
We collect water samples weekly from May - September and test them to swimming standards. Each site gets a "pass" or "fail" rating until the next samples are collected.
Our testing shows a snapshot of water conditions, but water quality is always changing! (Heavy rainfall causes runoff that increases bacteria in a waterway.) Here's a good rule of thumb: if the water is brown, turn around!
Want to stay updated?
Water quality conditions will be made available on Friday of each week. We can alert you when new water data become available! Click here to subscribe to email or text alerts or text YoughSwimmableWaters to 84483.
Current Conditions
= passed | 
= failed | 
= no data
Pass = 234.9 MPN or LESS | Fail = 235 MPN or MORE
*MPN refers to the Most Probable Number of bacteria in a sample, which is a statistical method used to estimate the number of viable microorganisms, especially bacteria, in a liquid sample.
Status as of September 30th, 2026
Location
- Indian Creek at Nebo Rd 🟢 PASSED 73.3 MPN
- Cucumber Run Falls 🟢 PASSED 16.0 MPN
- Meadow Run Natural Waterslides
NO DATA - Ohiopyle (above Ohiopyle Falls) 🟢 PASSED 20.1 MPN
- Loop Take-Out 🟢 PASSED 21.1 MPN
- Ramcat Beach 🟢 PASSED 11.0 MPN
- Markleton School Rd Boat Launch 🟢 PASSED 201.4 MPN
- Kings Covered Bridge 🟢 PASSED 35.9 MPN
- Blue Hole in Forbes State Forest NO DATA - potential heavy metals
- Cedar Creek Park 🟢 PASSED 96.0 MPN
- Smithton Beach 🟢 PASSED 117.8 MPN
- Perryopolis Boat Launch 🟢 PASSED 96.0 MPN
- Yough River Park 🟢 PASSED 209.8 MPN
- Boston Boat Launch NO DATA
- Yough River at McKeesport 🟢 PASSED 96.0 MPN
Check out our Sampling Site Map HERE!
What is E. coli?
Escherichia coli (commonly abbreviated E. coli) is a rod-shaped bacterium found in the lower intestine of warm-blooded organisms including humans and animals.
People can be infected with E. coli after swimming in water tainted with fecal matter. E. coli causes moderate to severe illness. Symptoms of E. coli diarrheal infection most often begin 3 to 4 days after contact with the bacteria. Symptoms may include:
- Loose stools, which may range from mild to serious and from watery to bloody.
- Stomach cramping, pain or tenderness.
- Upset stomach and vomiting.
Swimming Safety
Please remember that swimming in rivers has inherent dangers which can be minimized but not eliminated through the use of caution and good sense. We assume no responsibility for illness, injury or death resulting from any information contained herein. Swim at your own risk.