Smith Creek 

Located in north-central New Hanover County, Smith Creek drains into the lower Northeast Cape Fear River, just north of the Isabelle Holmes Bridge.  The watershed drains land within the City limits and the unincorporated County, including the Wilmington International Airport.  Zoning within the Smith Creek watershed is a mix of industrial, residential, and commercial.  The land within the watershed is predominately classified as urban and transition, with a small portion classified as conservation. 

Water quality samples are collected monthly from land at 5 locations on Smith Creek.  Samples are analyzed for Nitrate + Nitrite, Orthophosphate, Chlorophyll a, Enterococcus, Temperature, Salinity, Conductivity, pH, Dissolved Oxygen, and Turbidity. 

CLICK HERE to view a map of water quality monitoring locations on Smith Creek. 

Along with increased development and impervious surfaces, water quality in Smith Creek has declined in recent years.  High bacteria levels have been reported, as well as low dissolved oxygen levels.  As a result, Smith Creek has been listed on the 303(d) list for impaired waters due to impaired biological integrity.  Scroll down to the bottom of this page to learn more about efforts to protect and improve water quality in Smith Creek.

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 the water quality parameters monitored on this creek.

Water Quality Improvement Projects in the Smith Creek Watershed

Laney and Trask Best Management Practices

With a grant from the Environmental Protection Agency, two water quality best management practices (BMPs) were installed at Laney High School and Trask Middle School.  The projects consist of a constructed wetland at Laney High School and a bioretention area (or rain garden) at Trask Middle School.

The constructed wetland at Laney High School was built within an existing drainage ditch.  Water drains into the ditch from athletic fields, parking lots and rooftops.  The wetland was designed to trap sediment and filter pollutants from water via plants.  The wetland also serves as an outdoor living laboratory that is utilized by Laney High School science students. 

Laney wetland before and after construction.

The bioretention area (or raingarden) at Trask Middle School was built within an existing grass swale that drains the faculty parking lot and roof of the school.  The project was designed to capture one inch of rainfall and hold the water in the bioretention area for a period of time so that plants can filter pollutants out of the water before it enters into Smith Creek.  

Trask bioretention area before and after construction.

Students from Laney High School 9th grade Earth Science
class install plants in bioretention area at Trask Middle School.

Smith Creek Greenway Project

With a grant from the Clean Water Management Trust Fund, two properties totaling 45 acres were purchased along Smith Creek.  The two acquisition properties, combined with an additional 14-acre donation property and a 47-acre Department of Transportation mitigation property, form a significant vegetated buffer along a large stretch of Smith Creek.  With the exception of passive recreational features, no part of the land will be developed, and most of the land will be placed in a conservation easement.  A passive trail will be constructed through part of the property for the public to enjoy.

CLICK HERE to view a map of the area.

Smith Creek Watershed Planning Initiative

New Hanover County Planning staff is heading an initiative with the City of Wilmington, Cape Fear River Watch, UNCW, N.C. Dept. of Environment and Natural Resources, and Coastal Land Trust to develop a watershed management plan for the Smith Creek Watershed.  The goals of the Smith Creek Watershed Plan are to:

• Assess the watershed condition, threats and opportunities.
• Improve, restore, and protect the water quality and habitat of Smith Creek.
• Educate residents, business, and developers about the importance and opportunities for stewardship in the Smith Creek Watershed.
• Develop recreational water access pedestrian trail opportunities on Smith Creek.