Montgomery's Environmental Advisory Commission published findings Friday, July 10, showing that volunteer water monitors detected "Unacceptable" E. coli contamination in the North Branch of Sycamore Creek after heavy April rains, raising illness risks for people who come in contact with the water at Pioneer and Dulle Parks.
Greg Brodrick, a commission member who authored the city's report, warned that the creek's appearance is deceptive.
"Be mindful that a creek can appear clear, odor-free and visually clean and still have unsafe bacterial levels," Brodrick wrote.
What the data shows
Volunteers from the Izaak Walton League of America Cincinnati Chapter test the creek once a month as part of the Saturday Stream Snapshot program, a citizen science initiative operating under Ohio EPA's Credible Data Program. Samples are processed at the program's lab in Loveland.
The creek's Overall Water Quality index for the first three months of 2026 testing rated "Good" in March, "Good" in April, and "Fair" in May, according to Brodrick's report. But a separate April test conducted after several consecutive rainy days showed E. coli contamination at the highest category: "Unacceptable."
E. coli serves as an indicator of recent fecal contamination. Common local sources include dog waste in parks and neighborhoods, goose droppings near ponds, and deer and raccoon waste in wooded areas of the watershed.
Contamination spikes after periods of heavy rain and drops when water flow is low, Brodrick noted.
Sources of contamination
The North Branch of Sycamore Creek collects runoff from Summit Park in Blue Ash, Interstate 71, city streets, and parking lots before reaching the parks. Elevated chloride from winter road salt lingers in the water months after salting ends, according to Brodrick's report.
How to stay safe
The city advises park visitors to:
- Never drink or swallow creek water
- Keep creek water away from open wounds and eyes
- Wash any skin that contacts the creek with soap and clean water
Residents who notice odd colors or smells in Montgomery's creeks can call the City of Montgomery Public Works Department at 513-792-8355 or the Hamilton County Storm Water District Hotline at 513-946-7000.
Get involved
The Saturday Stream Snapshot program is recruiting 2026 volunteers. Sampling takes place on the second Saturday of each month from March through November. Interested residents can sign up at [email protected].
Upcoming community dates
- Tuesday, August 11, 2026, 5 p.m. — Environmental Advisory Commission meeting, Montgomery City Hall, 10101 Montgomery Rd., Montgomery
- Saturday, August 9, 2026 — Next scheduled Saturday Stream Snapshot sampling date, per the program's second-Saturday schedule (volunteers should confirm via email)
