Neuse River in Raleigh. (CBS 17)
RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) — More than 20 river sites in North Carolina failed fecal bacteria tests this week after several days of torrential rains, with some areas receiving nearly a foot of rain, according to a group.
Flood warnings were in effect for several days through Friday, with some parts of North Carolina receiving nearly a foot of rain, including Sampson County, where 11 inches fell. Other areas, such as Durham County, received more than nine inches.
Sound Rivers, a group that monitors more than 50 recreational sites along North Carolina rivers, said the heavy rains could make the river even more polluted.
“The swim guide results are in and clearly reflect the impact this rain is having on our waterways,” the Sound Rivers group said Friday.
Several flood warnings remain in effect this weekend, with one in effect Saturday along the Tarboro River in Edgecombe County.
“Remember, more stormwater runoff means more dirty material entering the water,” Sound Rivers wrote Friday after 21 river sites in North Carolina failed weekly tests.
In the last Swim Guide report, only six sites received a failing grade.
In the Raleigh area, three locations along the Neuse River experienced power outages during the week ending July 26, according to Sound Rivers.
East of Raleigh in Wake County, the Buffalo Road, Milburnie Park and Poole Road canoe launches meet less than 60 percent of water quality standards.
According to Sound Rivers, elevated levels of fecal bacteria in the water can increase the risk of gastrointestinal and skin infections in pets and people.
Along the Neuse River in eastern Wake County, the next seven locations also failed water quality tests.
- Maple Cypress Boat Ramp in Grifton
- Glen Burnie Park
- Town of Bridgeton Park
- Blackbeard Sailing Club's Upper Broad Creek
- Lawson Creek Park in New Bern
- Slocum Creek Boat Ramp, Havelock
- Pierce Creek at Sea Harbor Yacht Club in Oriental
Eleven locations along the Tar and Pamlico rivers near North Carolina's coast failed the tests.
- Sunset Park along the Tar River in Rocky Mount
- Tar River Reservoir in Rocky Mount
- River Road boat launch on the Tarboro River
- Town Common along the Tar River in Greenville
- Wildwood Park on the Tar River in Greenville
- Port terminal on the Tar River in Greenville
- Yankee Hole Road boat launch on the Tar River in Pactolus
- Mason's Landing on the Pamlico River in Washington
- Havens Gardens along the Pamlico River in Washington State
- Dinah's Landing, located on the Pamlico River in Goose Creek State Park
- Cotton Patch Landing on Brant's Creek just off the Pamlico River
Sound Rivers issues reports on various recreation areas on North Carolina rivers after testing dozens of recreation sites each week throughout the summer.
The group's tests also include enterococci in saltwater.
