GOLDSBORO, N.C. — Swimmers and recreational users are being urged to use caution after Old Waynesborough State Park in Goldsboro failed to meet recreational water quality standards during this week’s testing by the environmental nonprofit Sound Rivers.
The Goldsboro site was one of five locations across the lower Neuse River basin that received a “Swim Guide fail” following water quality testing conducted this week. Other locations that failed included Bridgeton Park, Brices Creek, River Bend on the Trent River and Pierce Creek in Oriental.
According to Sound Rivers Program Director Clay Barber, this week’s heavy rainfall is the likely cause of the elevated bacteria levels.
“The heavy rains we’ve had this week are definitely having an impact on water quality, as we’re seeing stormwater runoff carrying lots of bacteria into the waterways,” Barber said.
A Swim Guide fail indicates elevated levels of fecal bacteria in the water, which can increase the risk of gastrointestinal illness and skin infections for both people and pets who come into contact with contaminated water.
The findings come as eastern North Carolina continues to experience several days of heavy rainfall, with stormwater runoff carrying pollutants and bacteria into rivers, creeks and other recreational waterways.
Old Waynesborough State Park is one of 18 locations monitored each week through the Swim Guide program in the lower Neuse watershed. The international water-quality initiative is coordinated locally by Sound Rivers, whose mission is to keep North Carolina’s waterways fishable, swimmable and drinkable.
This summer marks the ninth year of Swim Guide monitoring in the Neuse and Tar-Pamlico watersheds. Weekly testing runs from Memorial Day through Labor Day, providing the public with updated information on water quality at popular swimming and boating locations.
Officials encourage residents planning to swim, wade or allow pets into local waterways to check the latest Swim Guide results before heading out, especially following periods of heavy rain when bacteria levels are more likely to increase.
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