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

NEW - 2008-2009 Water Quality Monitoring Report
July 2008 Final Report
January, February, March 2008 Water Quality Progress Report
November, December 2007 Water Quality Progress Report

*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.

Water Quality Presentations

Please click on the following links to view presentations about water quality in New Hanover County:

New Hanover County Water Quality Monitoring Results: November 2007-July 2008

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. 

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 monitors water quality at various locations around New Hanover County.  
CLICK HERE to access the UNCW website for past water quality monitoring results and 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.

Water Quality Improvement Projects

Low Impact Development (LID) - A different way to manage stormwater runoff.  Click on the link to learn more.

Riparian Buffer Land Acquisition Projects - New Hanover County is actively pursuing riparian land donations to preserve land and protect water quality.  Click on the link to learn more.

New Hanover County Watershed Management Advisory Board *This Board has completed its work.  Click the link to learn more about the Board's past accomplishements.