Catawba Riverkeeper Foundation

06/07/2026

Pt. 2⁠
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We're excited to introduce the Catawba Riverkeeper Summer 2026 intern team! Join us in welcoming these talented individuals as they work to protect, preserve, and advocate for the Catawba-Wateree River Basin throughout the summer.⁠
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Jay Clarkson: Southern Piedmont Regional Organizing Intern⁠
Shea Duncan: Volunteer and Community Science Intern⁠
Quinn Moegling: Retail and Event Intern⁠
Oggy Tabb: Environmental Education Intern⁠
Kayla Moussa: Environmental Education Intern⁠
Madison Washington: Marketing Intern

06/06/2026

Pt. 1⁠
⁠
We're excited to introduce the Catawba Riverkeeper Summer 2026 intern team! Join us in welcoming these talented individuals as they work to protect, preserve, and advocate for the Catawba-Wateree River Basin throughout the summer.⁠
⁠
Chris Lawing: Riverkeeper Intern⁠
Jude Barnes: RiverKeeper Intern⁠
Megan Holby: Riverkeeper Intern⁠
Kendall Clark: RiverKeeper Intern⁠
Evelyn Vanderveen: Policy Intern

06/05/2026

We're back with another Swim Guide Friday! 🏊🏽⁠
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Be sure to check out our Swim Guide results to see if your favorite spot is safe to recreate in this weekend.⁠
⁠
Remember:⁠
🟢 Water here is safe for swimming!⁠
🟡 Water here is safe for paddling or tubing (but not recommended for swimming)!⁠
🔴 Water here is not safe for any kind of recreation!⁠
⁠
Learn more and see Swim Guide results from across the country at https://www.theswimguide.org/find.

06/04/2026

It's Thursday, so that means that our dedicated Swim Guide volunteers spent their morning collecting water samples at over 60 popular swimming sites throughout the entire Catawba-Wateree River Basin! Volunteers also completed the important task of transporting those samples back to our labs in McAdenville and Morganton.

This afternoon, Catawba Riverkeeper staff and interns are busy preparing those samples to be read tomorrow afternoon, just in time for another fun weekend of safe recreation out on the water!

To learn more about our Swim Guide program, find results, volunteer, or support the program, be sure to visit www.catawbariverkeeper.org/swim-guide.

06/03/2026

Check out this morning's episode of Charlotte Talks on WFAE featuring our Riverkeeper, Brandon Jones! In it, you'll hear about many of the pressing challenges facing our waterways in NC.

Proposed plans to reduce toxic chemicals in North Carolina’s waterways face pushback from the public because some argue they don’t do enough to stop pollution or hold polluters accountable. Meanwhile, the EPA is in the process of weakening federal chemical regulations.

06/02/2026

Did you know that stormwater runoff is the leading cause of water pollution in the Catawba River?

Stormwater runoff is rainfall that lands on hard surfaces like rooftops, roads, and parking lots and can't soak into the ground. Instead, it flows into nearby storm drains and waterways, carrying oil, fertilizer, litter, and other pollutants with it.

House Bill 369 would help reduce water pollution by decreasing impervious surface area in our communities. The bill is currently moving through the Senate and will be discussed in the Agriculture, Energy, and Environment Committee tomorrow at 9am.

Here’s how to take action:
🔍 Find your senator and their email at www.ncleg.gov/findyourlegislators
✔ Check whether they serve on the committee (see list below)!
📧 Email your senator and urge them to support H369!
📣 Share this post with your family and friends!
Visit the links below to find an email template and learn more.

Committee members: Barnes, Jackson, Sanderson, Brinson, Burgin, Chaudhuri, Craven, Garrett, Grafstein, Hanig, Jarvis, Mayfield, McInnis, Measmer, Murdock, B. Newton, Rabon, Salvador, Settle, Smith

Letter template:https://piedmontpromisenc.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/H369-Senate-Letter-Template-Updated.pdf

Bill overview:https://irp.cdn-website.com/8f14f2cc/files/uploaded/Catawba+Riverkeeper+H369+Overview.pdf

06/02/2026

Despite all the rain we've had recently, the Catawba-Wateree River Basin is still experiencing drought conditions. While reservoir storage has improved over the past month, more rain is needed for water levels to rise to the point where the Low Inflow Protocol Stage 2 can be lifted.

Please continue to follow your municipality's guidelines for water usage restrictions at this time.

During this time of drought, we're reminded of how vital our water resources are--let's all do our part to conserve the water we have!

06/01/2026

Summer is here, and it's time to get out on the water!

Join us on a sunset tour of Lake Norman and learn all about the health and history of our watershed aboard the Catawba Riverkeeper Floating Classroom. Bring your friends, your snacks, your favorite drinks (beer and wine allowed), and your spirit of adventure for an evening you won't forget!

Tours available weekly. Grab your tickets today!

https://www.simpletix.com/e/watershed-science-sunset-tour-tickets-265116

05/29/2026

Happy Swim Guide Friday! 🏊🏽

Be sure to check out our Swim Guide results to see if your favorite spot is safe to recreate in this weekend!

Remember:
🟢 Water here is safe for swimming!
🟡 Water here is safe for paddling or tubing (but not recommended for swimming)!
🔴 Water here is not safe for any kind of recreation!

🚨After a rainy week, water levels are a little bit higher, but rain often affects water quality by increasing the risk of contaminants, especially in coves and river channels. Stay cautious and avoid swimming in water that appears brown or discolored, as this may indicate stormwater pollution.

05/28/2026

Flea Beetle Release: PT 2⁠
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Last week, we released flea beetles at several sites in the Catawba-Wateree River Basin to help control the spread of alligator w**d in local waterways. Here, Riverkeeper Brandon Jones talks about thrips, a more cold-tolerant insect species that can also help control invasive alligator w**d.

For more information about alligator w**d, click the link below. ⁠
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https://illumination.duke-energy.com/articles/a-south-american-insect-battles-invasive-w**d-in-caro