The link below is a really good spot to monitor the bacteria levels on the Ohio River. For Louisville, you will need to view the data that falls in the 594 mile section (upstream from the swim course). For the last 5 weeks measured (updated weekly), 3 out of 5 exceeded safe levels for Fecal Coliform and E. Coli. Please note that these levels can change quickly for better or worse. I found this website because it was posted on the www.cincytriathlon.com website for the One World Triathlon that took place this past weekend in Cincinnati. I was scheduled to compete until they cancelled the swim because the bacteria levels became unsafe because of the rain that occurred upstream a few days prior. The changed it to a duathlon. Also on the website has other information like riverflow speed.
I was at the Cincy race - it was a real bummer to find that the swim had been canceled after spending the $$ for a hotel registration etc… I’m planning on IM Louisville '09 and it made me wonder if I am not better off looking at IM Wis. instead. It will certainly be difficult for me to consider doing the Cincy race next year. I was also less then impressed with the transition area security. I did not have any problems, but felt like it would have been really easy to do some bike shopping.
do you mean will you die or will you get a runny nose? I doubt many of us have immune systems so weakened that we would die. I swam in it three times last year and was fine…it all depends on how much it’s rained, etc. I would race and not be worried whatsoever. But for training if it has just rained hard I will try to avoid the lake for a couple days.
At least there aren’t any sharks (though I’m sure there are catfish bigger than the competitors).
Not really worried about dying or a runny nose. that I’ll deal with. Worried about investing time and money and having the swim canceled.
Not this again, IMCDA same bit water too cold- all wasted energy thinking and worrying.
Not this again, IMCDA same bit water too cold- all wasted energy thinking and worrying.
Just go away! It is very relevant because of what happened in Cincy this past weekend. And for the Cincy distance, a lot less money and training time. This is what the forum is for and if you do not like it, do not read these and only read the ones that catch your intersest.
That’s my concern with entering IM Lou. I would be so pissed if the swim was cancelled for an IM (for any tri for that matter), but doubly so for an IM. I know everyone is dealty the same cards on race day, but when swim is your strength it sucks to have it removed from the race. I don’t know of a bike or run that has been cancelled out of a tri.
The same thing happen last year for IM Lou leading up to the race. People were predicting the water would not be safe. I did the race and the water was fine. I did not get sick or have any runny nose. However I still glow at night says my wife, but no worries! 
I have swam in way worse water that the OH river for racing. Some of your local lakes could be just as contaminated as the river if not worse. A race I did a couple years ago was really nasty. A lot of people did get sick, but we are still alive.
But, you have to remember the race is still 2 months off. Alot can happen in 2 months to the OH River in that area.
Go luck to all you IM Lou athletes!