Recent Rain Pushes Bacteria Levels Above Safe Limits At Neuse River Sites, Report Says

JOHNSTON COUNTY, N.C. — Two popular recreation areas along the Neuse River in Johnston County failed recreational water quality tests this week following recent heavy rainfall, according to environmental nonprofit Sound Rivers.

The River Walk and Neuse Golf Club access sites in Clayton, along with Smithfield Town Commons, were among six locations across the upper Neuse River basin that exceeded recommended bacteria levels for swimming and other water recreation.

The other sites that failed this week’s testing were Penny’s Bend Nature Preserve on the Eno River in Durham and Anderson Point and Milburnie in Raleigh.

According to Sound Rivers, the elevated bacteria levels followed significant rainfall after several weeks of unusually dry conditions.

“Water quality on the upper Neuse has been really good all summer long,” said Clay Barber, program director for Sound Rivers. “The only difference between this week’s results and previous ones is some pretty hard rain.”

Barber said rain can wash fecal bacteria from streets, yards and other areas into nearby waterways. Heavy rainfall can also contribute to sanitary sewer overflows, increasing bacteria levels in rivers and streams.

A failed Swim Guide test indicates elevated levels of fecal bacteria that may increase the risk of gastrointestinal illness and skin infections for people and pets who come into contact with the water.

Sound Rivers tests more than 50 popular swimming, boating and recreation sites each week between Memorial Day and Labor Day as part of its Swim Guide program. Water samples are analyzed for E. coli in freshwater locations and the results are compared to state and federal recreational water-quality standards.

The organization encourages anyone planning to swim, wade or participate in other water activities to check the latest test results before heading out, especially following heavy rainfall when bacteria levels are often at their highest.

Weekly water-quality results are typically released each Friday afternoon throughout the summer.