Asheville Officials Urge Caution: Hidden Dangers Persist in Local Waterways Post-Helene

Asheville --    Asheville officials are once again sounding the alarm, reminding residents and visitors that popular recreation spots in the region may still harbor hidden storm debris from Helene, and pose risks from water contamination. The catastrophic flooding brought on by Helene overwhelmed sewage systems and led to significant agricultural runoff, releasing harmful bacteria like E. coli into waterways across North Carolina and Georgia.

While the immediate aftermath of Helene saw widespread warnings, the lingering effects of the storm necessitate continued vigilance. The dangers are two-fold: unseen debris that can still be lurking beneath the surface of rivers and creeks, and the potential for elevated levels of harmful bacteria, even in water that appears clear.

Understanding Water Contamination Risks

The primary concern revolves around water contamination from fecal bacteria such as E. coli and enterococci. Exposure to these pathogens can lead to a range of health issues, including gastrointestinal illnesses, skin infections, and eye or ear problems.

To help the public assess the safety of local waterways, the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ) provides a crucial resource: a comprehensive map that displays the results of its autonomous microbial samplers. This map categorizes water quality at various monitoring sites, offering vital information for those looking to recreate:

Swimming Advisory: This indicates that enterococci levels have either exceeded EPA standards for two consecutive tests, or that enterococci levels from five samples collected within a 30-day period have surpassed EPA standards. In such areas, swimming is strongly discouraged.

Pending Swimming Advisory: When enterococci levels are elevated, but not yet definitively at advisory levels, a pending advisory is issued. The results from a second water sample will determine if a full Swimming Advisory is necessary or if the pending advisory can be rescinded.

No Pending Swimming Advisory/Swimming Advisory: This category signifies that enterococci levels at a particular monitoring site are currently within the EPA standards for swimming, suggesting the water is safe for recreational use.

Precautionary Advisory: This alert is issued for stormwater discharge areas, particularly those impacted by excessive rain events. While not necessarily indicating high bacterial levels, it advises caution due to the potential for contaminants from runoff.

Despite the challenges, the NCDEQ notes that water quality in Buncombe County's rivers, including the French Broad and Swannanoa, is generally good. However, some persistent issues remain, underscoring the need for ongoing monitoring and public awareness.

Another valuable tool for real-time water quality information is the Swim Guide app. This widely used platform aggregates water quality data from various sources, providing a user-friendly interface to check the status of local waterways before heading out.

Hidden Debris and Other Precautions

Beyond bacterial contamination, the lingering effects of Helene's powerful floodwaters also mean that hidden storm debris remains a significant risk. The force of the flood altered riverbeds and can still conceal dangerous objects like submerged logs, branches, and other unseen obstacles. These can pose serious hazards to swimmers, tubers, and kayakers.

Officials strongly advise against swimming unless the water has been explicitly declared safe through official advisories. Furthermore, they recommend wearing water shoes if you plan to be in or near creeks or rivers to protect your feet from unseen sharp objects.

For the safety of both humans and animals, it is also recommended to keep pets out of creeks and rivers right now, as they can also be susceptible to waterborne illnesses and may encounter hidden dangers.

The lingering impacts of Tropical Storm Helene serve as a crucial reminder to prioritize safety. By staying informed through resources like the NCDEQ map and the Swim Guide app, and by adhering to official warnings and precautions, residents and visitors can enjoy the region's recreational spots responsibly and safely.

WNCTimes

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