WASHINGTON, N.C. (WITN)— Two sites in the lower Neuse have not met the Sound Rivers requirements.

Sound Rivers announced that the Maple Cypess boat ramp in Grifton and Slocum Creek in Havelock had failed their water-quality tests with high levels of fecal bacteria.

All sites on the Tar-Pamlico passed the Swim Guide test.

According to the release, elevated numbers of fecal bacteria in water can increase the risk of developing gastrointestinal illnesses and skin infections for pets and humans.

“Ongoing failures are often an indicator that there’s an underlying water-quality issue,” said Clay Barber, Sound Rivers’ program director. “We know that’s the case with Slocum Creek, and the likely source is failing septic systems on one of the creek’s tributaries. Our Riverkeepers have been worki

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