News

Waterkeepers Carolina has released its annual Swim Guide report, offering an overall view of the state of North Carolina’s rivers.

The report analyzes Swim Guide data from 12 Waterkeeper organizations across the state. Sound Rivers’ contribution is the results of water-quality testing at 54 popular recreational sites on the Neuse and Tar-Pamlico from Memorial Day to Labor Day of 2024.

The data collected by Waterkeepers Carolina provides a valuable service, according to Pamlico-Tar Riverkeeper Katey Zimmerman.

“We’re really filling a gap in data for the public, because the state really focuses on coastal waters,” she said. “It’s helpful for people to have this kind of information when they want it.”

Waterkeepers Carolina also uses the annual Swim Guide report to create awareness, using it as a tool to lobby legislators for better water-quality standards.

The report covers each watershed, including the number of samples collected and tested, the names of each site tested and how each fared overall in meeting recreational water-quality standards.

View the report here.

Do you like Sound Rivers’ Swim Guide program? We do! Donate today to support the program that lets you know where it’s safe to swim all summer long!