Asheville, NC, August 25, 2025
News Summary
The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality has introduced an online mapping tool to monitor E. coli levels in recreational waters across Western North Carolina. This tool, part of the WNC Recreational Water Quality Program, provides real-time data on bacterial concentrations to promote safe recreational activities like swimming and kayaking, particularly after Hurricane Helene’s impacts. Weekly water sampling and analysis highlight potential contamination risks, ensuring residents and visitors can make informed decisions regarding their water activities.
Asheville, North Carolina
The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has unveiled a new online mapping tool designed to monitor E. coli levels in recreational waters across Western North Carolina. This initiative is part of the WNC Recreational Water Quality Program, aimed at ensuring the safety of various water activities such as swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, and tubing, especially following the recent impacts of Hurricane Helene.
The mapping tool provides real-time data displaying bacterial monitoring results from the Division of Water Resources, effectively identifying sites where E. coli concentrations exceed safety levels. Elevated E. coli levels can indicate potential fecal contamination, which is linked to gastrointestinal illnesses, posing health risks to swimmers and other recreational water users.
Weekly Monitoring and Analysis
Under the framework of the program, surface waters are sampled weekly from May through September, with results analyzed at the DEQ Asheville Regional Laboratory. The analysis employs the Colilert-18 methodology, allowing for a quick turnaround on results, which are posted the following day. Notably, current data on the mapping tool is preliminary, emphasizing that water quality can fluctuate rapidly, particularly following rainfall events.
Understanding E. coli Levels
E. coli levels are measured in Most Probable Number (MPN) per 100 milliliters of water. Levels that exceed 126 MPN/100 mL are deemed risky for primary recreational activities, while those surpassing 886 MPN/100 mL present a danger for secondary recreation, which includes activities like fishing. Recent samples from the program have highlighted areas with potential risks associated with recreational activities.
Partnership and Advisory Information
The DEQ’s water quality monitoring initiative is a collaborative effort involving entities such as Mountain True, Swannanoa Watershed Action Network, and the Watershed Association of the Tuckasegee. As local waters are still recovering from storm aftermath, an advisory warns residents to exercise caution in local rivers and swimming holes due to lingering hidden storm debris and elevated contamination risks following Tropical Storm Helene. Flooding from the storm overwhelmed sewage systems, leading to the entry of harmful bacteria such as E. coli into waterways.
Health officials encourage residents to consult water quality advisories and to use extra caution when engaging in water activities until environmental conditions are confirmed safe. The NCDEQ’s mapping tool categorizes water quality into four primary advisories: Swimming Advisory, Pending Swimming Advisory, No Pending Swimming Advisory/Swimming Advisory, and a Precautionary Advisory specifically for stormwater discharge areas.
Local Water Quality Insights
While Buncombe County’s rivers, such as the French Broad and Swannanoa, typically demonstrate good water quality, concerns regarding contamination levels remain. It is advisable for recreators to stay informed on the latest health recommendations and water quality assessments before participating in water-related activities.
Conclusion
This new mapping tool is crucial for maintaining the safety of Western North Carolina’s recreational waters and promoting public health. By staying informed through this resource, residents and visitors can make safer decisions in their recreational activities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the E. coli monitoring tool?
The E. coli monitoring tool aims to provide real-time data on bacterial levels in recreational waters, helping to ensure the safety of activities like swimming and kayaking.
How often are water samples collected and analyzed?
Water samples are collected weekly from May through September and analyzed at the DEQ Asheville Regional Laboratory.
What do the different E. coli levels indicate?
E. coli levels above 126 MPN/100 mL indicate a risk for primary recreation, while levels above 886 MPN/100 mL are risky for secondary recreation activities.
What should residents do if E. coli levels are high?
Residents should consult water quality advisories and use extra caution until conditions are declared safe by health officials.
Key Features of the E. coli Monitoring Tool
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Real-time Monitoring | Displays current E. coli levels in recreational waters. |
| Weekly Sampling | Surface waters sampled weekly from May to September. |
| Quick Results | Results analyzed and posted the following day. |
| E. coli Measurement | Levels measured in MPN per 100 mL; risks defined by thresholds. |
| Partnership Efforts | Collaboration between DEQ, local organizations, and health officials. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- NC Newsline: Asheville Lead Exposure
- Wikipedia: Asheville, North Carolina
- WLOS: Buncombe County Water Quality Improvements
- Google Search: Asheville water quality
- 828 News Now: Caution Hidden Dangers in WNC Waters
- Google Scholar: Asheville water pollution
- Science Friday: Asheville Potable Water Post-Hurricane Helene
- Google News: Asheville water quality issues
Author: STAFF HERE ASHEVILLE WRITER
The ASHEVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAsheville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Asheville, Buncombe County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Asheville Bread Festival, LEAF Festival, and mountain sports tournaments at Biltmore Estate. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce and Explore Asheville Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in hospitality and brewing that power the local economy such as the Biltmore Estate and Sierra Nevada Brewing Company. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, HERERaleigh.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
