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Sound Rivers Water Quality Specialist Taylor Register was back in action this week, collecting samples and readings from some sediment-laden creeks in southeast Durham.

Taylor and Neuse Riverkeeper Samantha Krop have been alternating the monthly collection of data over the past several months. Thursday’s routine sampling run points to an ongoing and growing problem, according to Taylor.

“I went out to collect some turbidity samples and YSI readings, and honestly wasn’t expecting it to be too bad given that it’s been pretty dry recently,” she said. “However, I was a bit surprised to see that our ‘problem sites’ along Martin Branch and in the main stem of Lick Creek were still pretty turbid, even though it hasn’t really rained for a couple of weeks.”

Martin Branch on Olive Branch Road, which has consistently claimed the No. 1 spot for ‘dirtiest site,’ had readings nearly 10 times the state standard for turbidity.

“From our routine sampling the past few months, we’ve definitely been noticing a trend of higher and higher turbidity even in dry conditions,” Taylor said.

The source of the sediment pollution is large-scale land clearing developments. For more than two years, in partnership with community members, Sound Rivers has been documenting sediment runoff from active construction sites that are polluting streams and creeks. Southeast Durham’s most heavily developing Lick Creek watershed has regularly seen levels of sediment 10 and 20 times over the state of North Carolina’s standard for healthy waterways. Ellerbe Creek at the heart of Durham has also gained attention for running orange since the start of this year, due to runoff from a large development at its headwaters. All of the waterways in Durham’s Neuse River basin flow directly into Falls Lake, a drinking water supply for half a million total people, including the city of Raleigh and most of Wake County.

Want to do something about the Durham’s muddied waters that are choking out aquatic life? Find out more and write an email to Durham’s city council telling them they need stronger protections for Durham’s waterways through our Action Alert here.