High levels of E. coli remain in Neuse River

For the second week in a row, the Neuse River continues to show high levels of E. coli.

The most recent tests of the river by the Buffaloe Road Canoe Launch revealed almost double the amount of E. coli that the Environmental Protection Agency considers to be safe, according to Laurel Holloman of Sound Rivers.

E. coli bacteria is an indication of fecal contamination. People with open cuts and wounds and young children, who could potentially swallow the water, should avoid getting in the river.

Holloman tests the water samples every Thursday between Memorial Day and Labor Day and makes the findings public every Friday.

"In a very urban area like the Raleigh area, we typically see higher levels of fecal bacteria in the Neuse River specifically about 24-30 hours after a storm or big rain event," Holloman said.

Holloman added there's nothing that can be done to treat the water when it's contaminated.

"We try to stop it at the source, which we are looking into doing some more sampling next week to figure out what the source is of the contamination," she said.

Holloman said exposure to the bacteria can lead to gastrointestinal illnesses or infection.