ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Summer in Western North Carolina brings a burst of color as swimmers and tubers flock to local rivers, lakes and swimming holes. But officials are urging caution following Tropical Storm Helene.
Asheville officials are warning residents that hidden storm debris and water contamination remain a risk in popular recreation spots. Flooding from the storm overwhelmed sewage systems and caused farm runoff, releasing harmful bacteria such as E. coli into waterways across North Carolina and Georgia.
Health officials said even water that looks clean may still contain dangerous pathogens. Exposure can lead to gastrointestinal illness, skin infections, and eye or ear problems.
The Environmental Protection Agency’s safety threshold for E. coli is 126 colony-forming units per 100 milliliters of water. In the days after the storm, many water testing sites exceeded this limit.
Officials are urging swimmers and paddlers to check water quality advisories and use extra caution until testing shows conditions have returned to safe levels.
The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality has a map that shows the results of the autonomous microbial sampler.
Categories include:
Swimming Advisory — Means either that enterococci levels have exceeded EPA Standards for two consecutive tests or that enterococci levels of five samples collected within 30 days exceeds EPA standards.
Pending Swimming Advisory — Means that enterococci levels are elevated. The results from a second water sample will determine whether a Swimming Advisory will be issued or if the Pending Swimming Advisory is rescinded.
No Pending Swimming Advisory/Swimming Advisory — Means that enterococci levels are within the EPA standards for swimming at this particular monitoring site.
Precautionary Advisory — Stormwater discharge area, including areas impacted by excessive rain events.
According to the NCDEQ, water quality in Buncombe County’s rivers, including the French Broad and Swannanoa, is generally good, but some issues persist.
Another place to check water quality is the Swim Guide app, which shows the status of local waterways.
Remember, don’t swim unless the water has been declared safe. Wear water shoes if you’re in or near creeks or rivers. Keep pets out of creeks and rivers right now.