Pages Creek

Located in northeastern New Hanover County, Pages Creek drains into the Intracoastal Waterway, north of Middle Sound Loop Road.  Zoning within the Pages Creek watershed is predominately residential, with commercial zoning along Highway 17.  The land within the Pages Creek watershed is predominately classified as watershed resource protection and conservation, with a small portion classified as transitional according to the CAMA land use plan.

Water quality samples are collected monthly by boat at 3 locations on Pages 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 Pages Creek. 

Along with increased development and impervious surface in the watershed, there has been a decline in the overall water quality in Pages Creek.  High fecal coliform and enterococcus levels have been reported and shellfish harvesting areas have been closed as a result.  During recent sampling events, bacteria levels have been particularly high during and after rain events, indicating the impacts of stormwater runoff on this watershed.  Pages Creek has also been listed on the State's 303(d) list for impaired waters due to high bacteria levels and shellfish closures. Recent monitoring results show a low dissolved oxygen level around the Bayshore area, which is an indicator of poor water quality or water that is not flowing enough to stimulate oxygen production.  Recent monitoring results have also shown high bacteria levels near Bayshore Drive.  New Hanover County Engineering Department and New Hanover County Health Department staff are in the process of ruling out human contamination in the vicinity and searching for possible sources of contamination.

Recent Monitoring Results

CLICK HERE to view all data from this creek. Results highlighted in yellow indicate a water quality sample that exceeded the State's standard.

CLICK HERE to read about all water quality parameters monitored on this creek.