North Carolina Beach on High Alert for E. Coli
Swimming in the summertime can be fun, but you want to beware of areas with high E. Coli levels. One North Carolina river has been put on high alert for bacteria, so be cautious when it comes to the sort of activities you try to do in this river. Their current E. Coli levels are off the charts, too.
North Carolina Beach Has Lots of E. Coli
So, how does bacteria and E. Coli get into lakes, rivers and other bodies of water? According to the health experts at the CDC.com, “One way germs can be carried into swim areas is by heavy rain, which can carry whatever it comes in contact with (for example, poop from animals) into swim areas.” They add that, “These germs can also come from humans or animals pooping in or near the water.” They add that it’s important to be careful around this kind of water, because water contaminated with bacteria can make you sick if you drink it. Not that you would purposely drink water filled with bacteria, but you might swallow it by mistake, if you’re out boating or swimming.
According to ABC11.com, the French Broad River is “too dirty” to swim in right now. People are being told not to swim in it until it’s safer, which could take days. The French Broad River runs from North Carolina into Tennessee.
More indication of the warning comes from Frenchbroadwaterquality.com, which states that E. coli values in the river are currently too high for swimming, padding or tubing. According to the experts at the site, which is constantly updated with new E. coli numbers, “E. coli values greater than 126 MPN represent an increased exposure risk for primary recreation” for swimming, and “E. coli values greater than 886 MPN represent an increased exposure risk for secondary recreation” for tubing or paddling. What’s wild is that those E. coli values are currently off the charts, at 7,563 MPN. So, it’s totally not safe to have fun in this river, according to those current numbers. Hopefully those numbers change soon.
Don’t freak out too much, though. The publication notes that, “An estimated exceedance of the primary or secondary value does not indicate a closure or advisory but is meant to inform the public that there may be an increased risk based on current river conditions.” They add that the DHHS guidelines for natural waters can be very helpful. So, if you still want to enjoy the French Broad River, proceed with caution.
