I'm about 10 miles from valley park. Haven't been watching local news, but VP is a "low income" white (red-neck), river rat type of community. Plenty of vacant (flooded out) houses in that area.
Meramec River flows through there, BUT I have NEVER seen anyone swim in that particular part of the river.
Just downstream from Times Beach, the super fund site.
I've been to VP before - your description sounds like what I observed. Good to hear you have rolled up your hose.