The temperature of the water in the river and tributaries is one of the many parameters FRk staff and volunteers monitor when checking the health of the watershed and maintaining the correct temperature balance guides some of our largest projects, such as the Skywater Project at Radium Springs in Albany. All life in the water is governed by temperature. Fish, insects, and other aquatic life have a preferred temperature range and if the water temperature exceeds or falls below this range for too long, the organisms will not survive.

In a previous article, FRk's monitoring for dissolved oxygen was discussed, as was the importance of maintaining enough oxygen dissolved in the water so fish and other aquatic life are able to breath. Water temperature has a direct affect on how much dissolved oxygen the water can hold. As the temperature rises, the dissolved oxygen decreases. If water temperatures remain too high for too long, aquatic life will begin to suffocate and large scale fish kills can occur.

Flow is especially important in maintaining river temperatures. If too much water is withdrawn from the river without enough return, especially during a time of drought, the water slows and the levels drop and the hot Georgia sunshine increases the water temperatures. If flow drops too low, such as in the drought years of the early 2000's, parts of the river may stop flowing altogether and water trapped in pools quickly overheats and dissolved oxygen levels plummet.

Radium Springs meets the Flint River. Photo by Matt Hanner, Motion House Media

In the lower Flint, springs are especially important to maintaining temperature in the river. After the Flint crosses the Fall Line and enters the Coastal Plain flows can slow due to decreased gradient of the riverbed and a wider channel. The cold waters flowing into the Flint from the various springs not only speed up the flow of the river but keep the water temperatures from reaching levels dangerous to aquatic life. Many temperature-sensitive species (striped bass, etc) will even travel upstream from the where the springflow meets the river to take refuge in the springs themselves during hot summers. If the flows from the these springs aren't protected, these sensitive aquatic species will not be able to reach the cold waters and the river flow will decrease and the river temperature will increase.

With weather patterns showing a warming climate, monitoring temperatures in the watershed becomes increasingly important, as does the successful implementation of projects to fortify the watershed. Projects like the Skywater Project designed to restore flows from Radium Springs into the Flint River will have a direct affect on the Flint's ability to regulate its temperature. A cool Flint is a healthy Flint and and healthy Flint is a river perfect for swimming, paddling, fishing, and enjoying however you prefer. If you are interested in joining our consortium of volunteers monitoring water quality across the watershed please let us know. Your assistance is needed!

May 8/9 - Mother's Day Shoal Lily Paddle - Click for More Information and for Registration.

Our annual Mother's Day paddle to view the shoal spider lily is back! This year, two trips will be offered so paddlers can choose the length of trip and technicality of waters they are comfortable with. FRk members can attend for free but must register and there will be a $10 charge for rented equipment. Non-members are welcome to join the trip for $45 and an additional $10 charge for rented equipment.

Adopt-A-Stream training is a full day workshop offered quarterly by Flint Riverkeeper. Trainings take place across the watershed. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer email RJ about our next training workshop! Location TBD!

Seven acts playing from 2pm-Midnight, Flint Riverkeeper's annual music festival is back! Local favorites and national touring talent will grace the stage while you kick back and relax outdoors with food from local vendors and ice cold beer from Pretoria Fields! The full lineup will be announced SOON and tickets will be available for general admission and VIP.

Lead by local historian and FRk Emeritus Board Member and Past President David Dixon, this half-day paddle is a fascinating experience exploring water treatment in the city of Albany, an old shipwreck, and much more!

Adopt-A-Stream training is a full day workshop offered quarterly by Flint Riverkeeper at our office in Albany, GA. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer but live at another part of the watershed send RJ and email and he will work with you to organize a training in your area.