7/1/26: During routine water quality monitoring, North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality alerted the Town to high E. coli levels at Vance Street Park in Richland Creek.
Do not swim in Richland Creek at this time. Do not let children or pets swim in or ingest water from Richland Creek at this time. Symptoms of E. coli borne illness typically include stomach upset.
Signage will be placed along Richland Creek where the stream is contaminated warning individuals not to enter the water.
The Town is actively trying to locate the source of the E. coli. The Town of Waynesville will update the public via local media outlets, local signage, social media posts, and text notifications (Text "WAYNESVILLEINFO" to 91896 to opt in), when E. coli levels have subsided.
Please call 828-452-2491 if you have any questions.
-Candace Poolton-Town Clerk/Assistant to the Manager/PIO