ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality has launched an online tool to show E. coli levels in rivers, creeks and other surface waters across Western North Carolina.
The mapping tool, part of the WNC Recreational Water Quality Program, displays bacterial monitoring results from the Division of Water Resources. It identifies sites where E. coli concentrations exceed guidance levels for swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, tubing, and other recreational activities.
“Elevated E. coli levels can indicate potential fecal contamination, which has been linked to gastrointestinal illness,” the department said…