Futch Creek
Futch Creek is located on the New Hanover-Pender County line and drains into the Intracoastal Waterway. The Futch Creek watershed encompasses an area from Scotts Hill Loop Road and Highway 17 on the north and east, to Porters Neck Road on the south. 
Zoning within the Futch Creek watershed is predominately residential with a small business district along Highway 17. The land within the Futch Creek watershed is classified as watershed resource protection or transition in the CAMA land use plan.
Water quality samples are collected monthly by boat at 5 locations on Futch Creek. Samples are analyzed for Nitrate + Nitrite, Orthophosphate, Chlorophyll a, Enterococcus, Fecal Coliform, Temperature, Salinity, Conductivity, pH, Dissolved Oxygen, and Turbidity.
CLICK HERE to view a map of water quality monitoring locations on Futch Creek.
Historically, water quality in the Futch Creek watershed has been good. However, along with increased development and impervious surface, there has been a decline in the overall water quality in Futch Creek. Fecal coliform and enterococcus levels have exceeded the State's standard, resulting in shellfish closures. As a result, Futch Creek has been listed on the 303(d) list for impaired waters due to the high bacteria levels and closed shellfishing areas.
Currently, fecal coliform and enterococci levels are low and within the designated standard for each paramether. However, levels have been high at all monitoring stations, especially during and right after rain events. Despite the high bacteria levels, chlorophyll, and nitrogen levels have remained within their respective standards, indicating that there has not been a nutrient problem within the creek in recent months.
Recent Monitoring Results
CLICK HERE to view all data from this creek. Results highlighted in yellow indicate a water quality parameter that exceeded the State's standard.
CLICK HERE to read about water quality parameters monitored on this creek.