Water Quality Monitoring in New Hanover County
Surface water quality is very important to the citizens of New Hanover County. Not only is the quality of water important to everyone that lives in our County, it is also important to the thousands of tourists that visit the County each year. Several agencies monitor water quality on the Cape Fear River, the Intracoastal Waterway, and within the many beautiful creeks that drain into those sources. The County is committed to compiling water quality data in order to provide this information to the public and use the information to continue our work toward restoring and protecting our water resources.
New Hanover County Creek Data
New Hanover County has contracted with a company to monitor water quality in all of the creeks located outside of the City limits. CLICK HERE to learn more about the water quality parameters measured in each creek. All data is posted on this website as soon as it becomes available. Click on the links below to view information about each creek.
Barnards Creek
Futch Creek
Lords Creek
Motts Creek
Pages Creek
Prince George Creek
Smith Creek
January, February, March 2008 Water Quality Progress Report
November, December 2007 Water Quality Progress Report
July 2008 Final Report
New Hanover County Planning Staff and staff from Coastal Planning and Engineering recently presented water quality monitoring data to the County Commissioners. To view the presentations, click on the links below.
An overview of water quality monitoring in New Hanover County
Water quality monitoring results from November 2007-July 2008
*To learn about water quality monitoring on the creeks within the City limits, please contact the City of Wilmington Stormwater Services at (910) 343-4777.
New Hanover County Data for the Cape Fear River at Riverside Park
New Hanover County Health Department monitors bacteria levels in the Cape Fear River at Riverside Park in Castle Hayne. CLICK HERE to learn more.
UNCW is also monitoring water quality with sediment content in the Riverside Park area. CLICK HERE to view the most recent data reported by UNCW.
Lower Cape Fear River Program
Administered by the UNCW Center for Marine Science, the Lower Cape Fear River Program is funded by government (including New Hanover County), industry and the public. The objectives of this important program are to "develop an understanding of the fundamental scientific processes shaping and controlling the ecology of the Cape Fear River system and provide a mechanism for information exchange and public education." Chemical, biological and physical parameters are measured at 34 sampling stations, several of which are located within New Hanover County.
To learn more about the Lower Cape Fear River Program, CLICK HERE to access their website.
UNCW Water Quality Reports
2006-2007 UNCW Water Quality Report
CLICK HERE to access the UNCW website for past reports.
Beach and Shellfish Closure Contact Information
For information about water quality data on County beaches, contact N.C. Recreational Water Quality Division at (252) 726-6827, or access information on beach closures on Recreational Water Quality's website.
For information about shellfish closures, contact N.C. Shellfish Sanitation Division at (252) 726-6827, or access information about shellfish closures on Shellfish Sanitation's website.