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*Note that the estimator is based on pre-Helene storm river system conditions.\u00a0 Potential changes to the ecoli-turbidity relationship at Pearson Bridge will be evaluated using data collected during the 2025 recreation season.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
An estimated exceedance of the primary or secondary value does not indicate a closure or advisory but is meant to inform the public that there may be an increased risk based on current river conditions.\u00a0 It is always advised the public follow DHHS guidelines when recreating in natural waters found\u00a0here<\/a>.\u00a0 More detailed information about the estimator and E. coli in river systems can be found under <\/em>the FAQ<\/em> section.<\/a><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Primary Recreation<\/strong>: Activities that include full immersion in the water and where potential exists for ingestion such as swimming and snorkeling. E.coli values greater than 126 MPN<\/strong> represent an increased exposure risk for primary recreation.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n What is <\/strong>E. coli<\/em><\/strong>?<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n E. coli<\/em>, a type of fecal coliform, is a diverse species of bacteria found in the environment, food, and intestines of animals and humans. The presence of E. coli<\/em> at elevated levels in streams, lakes, and rivers is an indication of potential point and nonpoint source pollution. Click here<\/a> to visit the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency\u2019s (EPA) website for more information on nonpoint sources. While most strains of E. coli<\/em> do not cause disease, their presence at elevated levels can indicate potential fecal contamination, which has been shown to co-occur with gastrointestinal illnesses. The EPA has determined that E. coli <\/em>is the preferred fecal indicator bacterium to use when evaluating for health advisories in freshwater.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n About the E. coli <\/em>Estimator:<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n E. coli<\/em> is a fecal indicator bacteria and is used to determine human health risks from waterborne pathogens. The FBR E. coli<\/em> estimator provides near real-time estimates of E. coli <\/em>levels at Pearson Bridge in the recreational corridor of the French Broad River in Asheville, North Carolina. Having near real-time estimates is useful, as E. coli<\/em> levels can increase rapidly over minutes, hours, or days during and following rainfall runoff events in the watershed. The estimator relies on the relationship between E. coli <\/em>and turbidity at Pearson Bridge. If turbidity is known, E. coli<\/em> may be estimated. This is important because E. coli<\/em> sampling and analysis is time and labor-intensive, while turbidity can be measured instantaneously. The U.S. Geological Survey operates and maintains a gauge at Pearson Bridge which records turbidity measurements every 15 minutes, and the E. coli <\/em>estimator uses these data to provide an estimate of E. coli<\/em> levels at this location only.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Secondary Recreation<\/strong>: Activities where there is lower or limited potential of full immersion and ingestion of water such as tubing and kayaking. E.coli values greater than 886 MPN<\/strong> represent an increased exposure risk secondary recreation.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nPearson Bridge Location & Live Feed<\/strong><\/h5>\r\n