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After the Storm | Water Quality and the French Broad

"Water should not be judged by its history, but by its quality." So said Dr. Lucas Van Vuuren of the National Institute of Water Research. And until the full range of native freshwater creatures returns to the French Broad River, the dark side of human industry still lingers in this ancient waterway.

Thanks to the Clean Water Act of 1970, industrial waste is no longer a major issue for the French Broad. Today, the greatest threat to water quality in Asheville’s river is the large volume of stormwater runoff entering local streams.

Despite decades of progress in cleaning up the French Broad’s industrial past, 19 miles of the river were recently listed as impaired for fecal coliform bacteria, and the otters, mussel shoals, and schools of colorful fishes have not returned to their former levels. In Buncombe County alone, there are over 60 miles of streams that fail to meet EPA water quality standards — streams that once hosted an abundance of animals that can’t survive in degraded waters. Yet there is hope!

Throughout 2024, RiverLink's Reduce Rain Runoff Campaign is offering a closer look at the problem in every stream that flows to the French Broad — along with a host of green solutions everyone can adopt. Let's give ourselves the gift of a fully restored river — a recreation hotspot and an economic driver worth an estimated $3.8 billion in WNC!

Stormwater is created when rain flows over hard surfaces, picking up pollutants like oil and gas, pesticides, fertilizer, and litter. In our urban areas, polluted runoff is collected in gutters, drains and pipes where it is directed into local streams that flow to the French Broad River. This influx of pollutants degrades water quality, harms aquatic life, and impairs entire ecosystems. Excessive runoff also leads to erosion, sedimentation, and flooding. To safeguard clean water, we need to keep runoff onsite where it can soak into the ground and be filtered naturally. Click through (below) to learn how.

Along with other large rivers in the southeastern U.S., the French Broad River once boasted expansive shoals of freshwater mussels. They evolved here over millennia, providing food and decorative shells to native peoples, but did you know that these seemingly simple creatures actually clean the water where they live? As filter feeders, these little superheroes are able to remove astonishing amounts of sediment and other pollutants from the water. A single mussel is capable of filtering up to 15 gallons of water in a day! But they can't move around, and too much sediment on the streambed will choke them.

Thus, there's only so much muddy water the mighty mussel can withstand. Not long ago, the endangered mussel known as the Appalachian Elktoe was feared to have completely disappeared from the French Broad River. Yet biologists from NC Wildlife Resources recently began finding them again. "We continue to see expansions upstream and downstream in the French Broad River," says agency biologist Luke Etchison. "On a federally endangered species, especially one only found in N.C., it’s a thrill! Last year we found 39 Appalachian Elktoe in the Little River (near Brevard), which was a very exciting find." Imagine a river clean enough to host all the animals it did when Europeans arrived! Proper stormwater management is the biggest hurdle now in their way. We can do it. Watch this space!

Volunteer with us

Spring fever got you itching to get out in the field? RiverLink is excited to announce our monthly recurring volunteer events at Karen Cragnolin Park. On the first Wednesday of each month, we will work to maintain and improve KCP through invasive plant removal, native plantings, litter cleanup, and more. Huge thanks to everyone who signed up so far to help us manage this community asset. For more info and to sign up, head over to the individual volunteer page on our website.

While you're there, we encourage you to check out our updated volunteer program. This year, we want to connect your organization to the river through customized group outings. We’ll work with you and your team to create a meaningful educational experience while doing some hands-on service. Check out our updated volunteer page to learn more.

Voices of the River | Call for Entries

RiverLink is thrilled to announce that we are now accepting submissions for our 17th Annual Voices of the River Art and Poetry Contest. Young people in grades K-12 are invited to submit original creative works that reflect their personal experiences, observations, and/or feelings regarding the river. This year's theme is:

"What is your favorite memory from beside the river or in the water?"

Submission Deadline | April 19,2024

Local environmental advocates, artists, and poets will review entries and select three winners from each category (2D, 3D, and poetry) and age group. Winners will receive cool prizes from local businesses! All submissions will be displayed at a special gallery event on May 11 from 10 AM - 1 PM at Black Wall Street AVL during a scheduled gallery stroll in the River Arts District. This event will be open to the public, and families are encouraged to attend.

Other News

• Now Hiring for Summer - RiverLink is looking for a camp counselor to help guide campers through hands-on environmental education and river recreation this summer. This is a temporary, full-time position that pays $20/hour. You can learn more about the position and how to apply on our employment page.

• Upcoming workshop - Join RiverLink, Land of Sky Regional Council, and the Town of Weaverville for a free hands-on workshop on invasive plant management and live staking techniques, happening on Saturday, March 16, 2024 from 10am - 2:30pm. Please register using this link.

Get Social With Us

Get a new perspective with RiverLink as we pull back the curtain on our living waterways through our social media! Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn. We love to share fun facts about community stormwater projects, land conservation and park updates, in-school and afterschool environmental education, climate resilience and environmental justice. Hit that follow button and step into the flow on Stormwater Wednesdays and French Broad Fun Fact Fridays.

Thanks for being part of our French Broad River community!

RiverLink promotes the environmental and economic vitality
of the French Broad River and its watershed. Please join us with a gift today!