Is it safe to swim this 4th of July weekend?
All Americans deserve the freedom to swim this 4th of July weekend!
Waterkeepers in North Carolina found that every water basin in that state failed the safe E. coli criteria to swim at least once during the summer of 2020. In 2021, NC’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. Waterkeepers from the mountains to the coast of North Carolina are working hard to make sure it is safe to swim in North Carolina’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, we strive to protect water quality for recreation and for drinking.
“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 in North Carolina with short-term and long-term solutions. Click here to 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.
Swim Guide Puts Data in the Hands of the Community
The Swim Guide Program benefits from summer data collection. This digital tool allows people 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.
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.
Click here to learn more about Swim Guide>>, download the app and check out your favorite swimming spot!
Our Waccamaw Riverkeeper samples for E. coli bacteria from Lake Waccamaw to Winyah Bay.
Interested in helping out your Waccamaw or Lumber Riverkeeper? Click here to volunteer or make a donation to help purchase needed supplies>>
Happy 4th of July! Let’s go swimming!