Western N.C. Recreational Water Quality Program

The WNC Recreational Water Quality program was developed by the Division of Water Resources Asheville Regional Office (ARO) for the purpose of monitoring water quality in heavily recreated waterbodies in WNC. Based on current resources and strategies, the state-funded initiative leverages and enhances existing monitoring programs, expands water quality analytical methods and evaluates the use of models to estimate bacteria levels to supplement water quality sampling.

Program updates 
 

Icon to inform recreational users of water monitoring sites

We now have a new icon for the WNC Recreational Water Quality program. When you see the icon to the left, you will know that the location is in our monitoring program. Additionally, any data or information having this icon has been vetted through the program. 

Starting in May 2024, we hope to increase signage at monitored locations to better inform recreational users where sites are monitored and how to access relevant water quality data.

New testing method for water quality analysis 

For the 2024 recreation season, our Asheville water testing laboratory will begin using dPCR, or digital polymerase chain reaction, technology for water quality analysis. PCR technology amplifies nucleic acid to allow rapid (3-4 hours) testing for E. coli and other fecal material markers such as HF183, the human DNA marker. We are looking to employ this technology eventually throughout the region to reduce analytical time and enhance source tracing. Program partners will be able to also access this technology to leverage their local resources. 

Continuation of the French Broad E. coli estimator, partnership expansion

For the 2024 season, DWR's Asheville Regional Office will continue to serve out, in partnership with environmental and conservation organization Mountain True, the E. coli estimator for the French Broad River near Pearson Bridge in Asheville. The estimator will continue to provide an near real-time estimate of the E. coli value and can be found at this link. 

For the 2024 season, DWR staff are seeking to continue monitoring partnerships with MountainTrue, Warren Wilson and the Watershed Association of the Tuckasegee. Staff are looking forward to potential expansion of the partnerships and monitoring network with local county health departments with added monitoring in new river basins.

For more information on E. coli, please visit DWR’s Asheville webpage and the Frequently Asked Questions link. To view NCDHHS guidelines on recreational water illnesses, please visit this link.