James River Watch

How is the river in your area?

At the James River Association, we believe a healthy River should be enjoyed by all, and we strive to connect Virginians to our shared James River. But river conditions can change quickly.

We have worked with partners to develop the James River Watch, a water quality monitoring program that communicates river conditions for communities across the James River basin. So whether you’re swimming, fishing, paddling, or boating – get outside, enjoy the James, and know before you go!

This map is populated on Fridays in the summer, from Memorial Day to Labor Day, when our Water Quality Monitor volunteers are busy at work!

How to use the conditions map.

This map showcases various testing sites or “river stations” throughout the James River watershed. The red and green dots on the map represent bacteria levels at each station, while the squares indicate river gauges. Click on the circle of the river station closest to you to explore the most recent data regarding river conditions.

Disclaimer: Bacteria samples are available every Friday from Memorial Day through Labor Day to help you gauge weekend conditions. However, rainfall and other events can change conditions at any time, and our monitoring data won’t be updated until the following Friday. For the Richmond area, the City of Richmond has a Combined Sewer Overflow Outfalls map that will show recent releases that will increase bacteria in the river.

Sign up below to receive a notification email when the results are in!

Additional Resources

NWS Middle Atlantic River Forecast Center

Richmond CSO Map

Lynchburg CSO Alert System

Current Air Quality and Forecast

James River Watch Map Icons

Colored Circular Indicator: Data provided by JRA staff and volunteers

Bacteria Levels

Red or Green Circle. When you look at the map, you will immediately see a red or green color at each River Station. If that color is red, it means our last test showed bacteria levels were above the recommended threshold for swimming. If it is green, it means bacteria levels were below the recommended threshold.

Air Temperature

Tells us how hot or cold the air is. It’s measured in degrees Fahrenheit (°F) or Celsius (°C) and is affected by sunlight, altitude, and wind.

Water Temperature

River water temperature is how warm or cold the river water is. It’s important for the health of fish and other creatures living in the river.

Turbidity

Turbidity is the measure of how cloudy or murky water is. It’s caused by tiny particles suspended in the water, like sediment (soil), algae, and microscopic organisms. Low turbidity (clear water) generally indicates a healthier aquatic environment, while high turbidity can signal problems and negatively impact the river’s ecosystem and its uses.

Conductivity

A measure of the ability of water to pass an electrical current. Higher conductivity generally indicates a higher concentration of dissolved substances, like salts and minerals, while lower conductivity suggests cleaner water with fewer dissolved ions.

Flow

This is the amount of water flowing through a specific point in the river, often measured in cubic feet per second (cfs). This data gives us information for flooding and/or dangerous water conditions.

Stage

Is the water level of a river at a specific location. It’s measured in feet above a specific predetermined reference point. Negative river stages indicate the water level is below that reference point.

Colored Square Indicator: Data provided by USGS and NOAA

Major Flooding

River levels are extremely hazardous. Significant evacuations of people are necessary, and property damage from flooding is anticipated.

Moderate Flooding

River levels are very hazardous in the area. It is unsafe in the water, near the water’s edge, and likely in other surrounding areas.

Minor Flooding

River levels are hazardous in the area. It is unsafe in the water, near the water’s edge, and possibly in other surrounding areas.

Action Stage

River levels are hazardous in this area. It is likely unsafe in the water and near the water’s edge.

No Flooding

River levels are below USGS flood stages. River flow conditions may or may not be safe for recreational use.

Our Partners

James River Watch is supported, in part, by the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality’s Citizen Water Quality Monitoring Program and the Chesapeake Bay Restoration Fund, generated from the sale of Chesapeake Bay license plates.

A healthy James River requires caring citizens and communities. Whether it’s getting your hands dirty, raising your voice, or supporting our cause, there is a job for everyone in making a cleaner, James. We offer opportunities to get active and stay informed.

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Explore

You can hike it, bike it, swim it, run it or raft it. How you enjoy the James River is up to you.

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Volunteer

Whatever your interests are, there is a role for you in improving the health of the James River.

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Discover

The James is Virginia’s largest tributary to the Chesapeake Bay. At 340 miles long it is one of the longest rivers in America that begins and ends in the same state.

WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT WATER QUALITY ON THE JAMES?

View the report here