Test: Creek Leading to Jordan Lake Polluted

Out in the main portions of Jordan Lake fecal chloroform levels are so low, they barely register. At the point where Northeast Creek runs into the lake, levels are slightly above acceptable.

As you move up the creek the levels get higher and higher. Protesters came together from all over the state to raise support for cleaner water ways. A lot of people were talking about clean water Tuesday, and were disagreeing on how to make it happen.

Gary Grant, a protester, says the pollution of North Carolina waters upsets him.

Protesters blame hog farms and sewage treatment plants for polluting the water. They also blame state legislators. Some state legislators agree they are not doing enough to solve the problem.

Sen. Beverley Purdue, (D) Craven County. said attention has shifted from sewage treatment plants to hog farms. She also said the recent Durham County sewage spill has brought attention back to the problem

Ernie Seneca, Division of Water Quality, says everyone should do their part and not point fingers.

The levels of bacteria in Jordan Lake were tested Tuesday an din some areas they were above what the government say is safe. Downstream from the spill, the fecal coliform count was 290 per hundred milliliters. That's almost 50 percent higher than what the government says is safe. Local health departments are monitoring the situation.

State health officials say, Jordan Lake is safe for recreation but, they strongly urge everyone to stay away from the creeks that lead from the spill to the lake.