What's in the water? A lot more than flip-flops and lost iPhones in Clarksville creeks

They've picked more than 100 flip-flops out of Big West Fork Creek.

Using a pole and magnet, they've fished out three iPhones, including one that worked well enough to return to its owner. They've even found an exploded grenade canister.

"We have found the craziest stuff," said Justin Moeller, who lives with his family about 3 miles upstream from Billy Dunlop Park, where dozens or more people swim, play or fish on hot summer days.

More:  'Creepy statue head' found in creek during eclipse has family stumped

But the grenade and animal skulls they've found aren't as nearly as alarming to them than what they can't see.

Moeller and two of his dogs recently got explosively ill after swimming in the creek to cool off from yard work.

His wife, Rachel Moeller, and the dogs got sick about two years ago after being in the creek. She tested positive for giardia, which the Tennessee Department of Health lists as a common parasite that can cause waterborne illnesses. 

The illness it causes can appear one to three weeks after exposure and cause stomach upset, fatigue, abdominal cramps, bloating, gas and weight loss. Some people have no symptoms at all.

So when Justin Moeller got sick, they assumed he had the same thing.

"Initially, I figured it was a stomach bug or I ate something bad," Justin Moeller said.

Because he's in the military, he went to work but was sent to see a doctor and tested negative for parasites. He was told to take a couple of days off, and he recovered in a few days.

But then the dog, Sgt. Pepper, was sick — all over the house.

"What was weird is that Sgt. Pepper got sick," Rachel Moeller said. "It was exactly the same thing."

There's a lot in the water

Parasites are not the only things that live in Tennessee's recreational water.

According to the Tennessee Department of Health, common symptoms of waterborne illnesses from ingested pathogens can cause diarrhea, fever, nausea and vomiting.

Cryptosporidium and giardia are common parasites in rivers, lakes, streams and other natural bodies of water. "Crypto" can even survive in chlorinated pools for days.

Viruses, germs and bacteria in water can even be life-threatening for someone with a compromised immune system, the young and the elderly.

Common bacteria found in Tennessee include campylobacter, E. coli, salmonella, shigella and norovirus.

After talking to a friend about water samples at Billy Dunlop Park, the Moellers purchased kits online to test for E. coli. 

It took 48 hours, but when the water turned colors to show the level of E. coli present, Rachel Moeller was alarmed. Orange means it was detected, but theirs turned dark purple, which is the highest level measured by the simple test. Another home test taken by The Leaf-Chronicle on a different day also turned purple.

The amount of E. coli found in the West Fork Creek can't be officially measured without more sensitive and advanced testing, which has not been done.

The West Fork Creek flows into the Red River.

"TDEC does not currently have a recreational water contact advisory in the Red River watershed," said Deputy Communications Director Kim Schofinski.

There is one for the Cumberland, however, in Nashville. "The only recreational water contact advisory for the Cumberland River is for the segment between Woodland Bridge and Bordeaux Bridge in the Nashville area."

LIKE WHAT YOU SEE? Support local journalism with a $1/month digital subscription

Many not worried

Rachel Moeller is a professional baker, and while she loves to kayak in the creek, she doesn't swim or risk getting water in her mouth. She makes sure to use antibacterial gels, wash her hands and avoid touching her face until she is clean.

"I'm nervous to go in," she said. "I don't want to put myself at unnecessary risk," because it could impact her business.

Downriver, at Billy Dunlop Park, few seem to share the concern.

Blanca Mares of Clarksville goes to the creek by the park often with her husband, daughter and Chihuahua.

She said she's not worried about parasites or E. coli, but she doesn't get too near the bridge because of beer bottles and debris.

"It's really clear here, so you can see" the bottom of the creek, she said. "Honestly, we are surrounded by all kinds of germs."

Her daughter is 9 and her niece is 1, and a few germs will help their immunity, she said.

Megan Dauenhauer enjoys the creek there too, playing Frisbee with her dog, Duke.

She said her only precaution is wearing water shoes.

"I've been coming here for years," she said.

Bryce Wheelus of Clarksville stays out of the creek, but not because of parasites or bacteria.

"I grew up around here; I'm not bothered by stuff like that," he said. "I do not like snakes, and I've already seen two today."

He stayed on the bank, along with his 11-year-old son, Blake, and 6-year-old Caleb while they fished.

Even after getting sick, Justin Moeller said he has no second thoughts about cooling off in the creek.

"I'm not a fast learner," he joked. "I will try to keep the water out of my mouth, but that's not going to keep me out of there."

Getting water tested

The Moellers said they have tried to get professional samples taken.

Schofinski said TDEC takes all complains about the environment and public health seriously and encourages citizens with questions or concerns to contact the Environmental Field Office in their area for assistance.

The statewide toll-free number is 1-888-891-TDEC (8332) and the Nashville field office, which services Montgomery County, can be reached at 615-687-7000.

"We recommend that the public abide by any posted signage at recreational swimming areas," she said.

For more information on Tennessee river and stream quality, go to www.tn.gov/environment, click Program Areas, then Water.

Play it safe

The CDC offers these tips for swimmers in natural water and pools:

• Don't pee or poop in the water.
• Don't swallow the water.
• Take children on bathroom breaks.
• Check diapers and change them in a bathroom or diaper-changing area, not by the water.
• Drink plenty of fluids.
• Those with open wounds should stay out of the water.
• Shower before and after swimming.

Reach Reporter Stephanie Ingersoll at singersoll@theleafchronicle.com or 931-245-0267 and on Twitter @StephLeaf