Two Neuse sites fail water-quality tests as Slocum Creek faces ongoing septic issues

According to the Sound Rivers, two sites in the lower Neuse did not pass the standards test for the Swim Guide report: Maple Cypress boat ramp in Grifton and Slocum Creek in Havelock. All sites on the Tar-Pamlico passed the Swim Guide test.

Ongoing failures are often an indicator that there’s an underlying water-quality issue,” said Clay Barber, Sound Rivers’ program director. “We know that’s case with Slocum Creek, and the likely source is failing septic systems on one of the creek’s tributaries. Our Riverkeepers have been working with the Town of Havelock and Craven County to get that resolved for more than a year.

A “Swim Guide fail” is defined as heightened levels of fecal bacteria, which can come with increased risk illness and skin infections, per a release.

For more information, click this link. To sign up for Swim Guide notifications, click here or text “SWIM” to 833-686-5322 for weekly water-quality results.