Is It Safe to Swim?

Jillian Howell, Pamlico-Tar Riverkeeper, collects the first round of microplastics sampling at Jack's Creek, NC.

Fecal contamination is a widespread problem in North Carolina. During the summer of 2020, every water basin failed the safe E. coli criteria at least once. In fact, there were at least 20 failures occurring every week across the state.

Riverkeepers and Waterkeepers from the mountains to the coast of North Carolina are working hard to make sure it is safe to swim in our state's waters. This includes ensuring you know when poo is in your favorite swim hole.

The Swim Guide program benefits from summer data collection in our state. This digital tool allows people across North Carolina to check if their favorite river basin is safe to swim in that weekend. This work includes water quality data collection and analysis, as well as advocating for more rigorous and protective water quality standards.

Since 1986, EPA has urged states to adopt E. coli (Escherichia coli) standards to preserve recreational water quality in freshwaters. North Carolina is one of only a handful of states that has failed to do so. It's past time for the state to adopt the E. coli standard for bacteria in freshwaters.

Landmark Report on North Carolina E. Coli Contamination

Riverkeepers in North Carolina evaluate E. coli bacteria levels during the summer months to help inform their communities about the safety of recreational contact with waters. Each Riverkeeper works for a local environmental nonprofit organization and strives to protect water quality in a specific watershed.

The “Is it Safe to Swim: Protecting Recreational Water Quality in North Carolina” is a first-of-its-kind report which compiles the results of their water monitoring efforts and includes an analysis of samples collected in each watershed.

Government actions have failed to ensure that North Carolinians can safely fish, swim or wade in the state’s waters. Fortunately, we have an opportunity to change things before next summer.

Bacteria pollution is a problem across our state. And while Riverkeepers are committed to evaluating E. coli bacteria levels and alerting the public about the safety of recreation, we need state regulators to follow science and adopt EPA’s recommended standards for E. coli.

Why is E. coli a Risk?

E. coli is well known as a substance that indicates the potential for human infectious disease since the bacteria is commonly found in animal and human intestines. The presence of E. coli in water is an indicator of recent fecal waste contamination.

E. coli bacteria enter our waters from various sources, including leaking septic systems, improperly functioning wastewater treatment plants, stormwater runoff and animal waste mismanagement.

Scientific studies have evaluated the connection between water quality and health effects on people who come into contact with contaminated water during recreational activities like fishing, swimming or wading. Although not all E. coli bacteria are harmful, numerous studies have demonstrated that E. coli concentrations are the best predictor of swimming-associated gastrointestinal illness. Additionally, illnesses such as eye infections, skin irritations and respiratory disease are common in people who come into contact with fecal-contaminated water. Unlike other species in the fecal coliform group, E. coli does not generally grow or reproduce in the environment and is considered the best indicator of fecal pollution and the possible presence of pathogens.

Be a Clean Water Warrior

After reading the report, join us to take action. We must urge our legislators to adopt the E. coli standard for bacteria in freshwaters:

  • Become a Clean Water Warrior! Text WKC to (844) 956-1139 to get easy actions you can take from your phone to protect North Carolina’s waterways.


  • Donate! You can donate to your favorite waterkeeper organization to help offset the cost of collecting water samples.

  • Share! Share the Swim Guide on your social media to let your community know how to assess water safety in their area


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