During this week’s sampling, Sound Rivers has found that one of the sites in the Lower Neuse River and four sites in the Tar-Pamlico watersheds showed high levels of fecal bacteria. The bacteria tested for, enterococci and E. coli, can be found in salt and fresh water, respectively, and are good indicators of recent fecal contamination. The levels of fecal bacteria at these sites exceeded the recommended state and federal criteria for a 100mL sample; 104 MPN for enterococci and 235 MPN for E. coli.

The sites showing high levels of bacteria include: River Bend on the Lower Neuse, Chocowinity Bay, Bath Creek, Broad Creek and the Pungo River. It is recommended that recreational users avoid or practice caution at or near these sites, as there is an increased risk of gastrointestinal illness and skin infections.

Sound Rivers is a nonprofit organization with a mission to monitor and protect the Neuse and Tar-Pamlico rivers’ watersheds covering nearly one quarter of North Carolina and to preserve the health and beauty of the river basins through environmental justice.

This is the final week of Swim Guide sampling until next summer. To find out more about water quality in your area, go to soundrivers.org/.

This monitoring is made possible by support from Grady White Boats, Albemarle-Pamlico National Estuary Partnership, Lenoir UNC Healthcare and other generous donors.