Is It Safe to Swim This 4th of July Weekend?
Photo by David Caldwell
North Carolinians deserve the freedom to swim this 4th of July weekend. Recent research by Waterkeepers Carolina found that during the summer of 2020, every water basin in the state failed the safe E. coli criteria to swim at least once. In 2021, the state’s favorite swimming spots continue to fail to be safe for the community.
Bacteria contamination continues to be a widespread problem in North Carolina. At least 20 failures occurred every week across the state in the summer of 2020. 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 the community knows when poo is in their favorite swim hole.
Landmark Report on North Carolina E. Coli Contamination
Waterkeepers 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. Together, as Waterkeepers Carolina, the organization strives to protect water quality across North Carolina.
“Is it Safe to Swim: Protecting Recreational Water Quality in North Carolina” is a first-of-its-kind report which compiles the results of water monitoring efforts and includes an analysis of samples collected in each watershed. The report also offers ways to fix the problem with short-term and long-term solutions.
READ THE REPORT
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 North Carolina. 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 an indicator of potential for the 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 in 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 disease-causing pathogens.
Swim Guide Puts Data In the Hands of the Community
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 and 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.
Waterkeepers Carolina has a resource page for the community to find links to download the Swim Guide and learn how to make a difference for their favorite swimming spots.