One site, South Hominy Creek, rates excellent. Interestingly, the state Division of Water Quality rates this stream as impaired. The cause of the impairment is probable pesticide contamination. These differences in rating also occur on the Mills River in Henderson County for the same reason. It would seem evident that if the pesticide contamination were removed, these streams would probably quickly return to health as other pollutant problems are minimal.

Hominy Creek shows even greater water quality changes from upstream to downstream. South Hominy Creek rates excellent as discussed earlier. Hominy Creek upstream rates fair largely because of elevated sediment concentrations and conductivity levels. The most downstream site on Hominy Creek shows the worst water quality of any of the 175 sites analyzed in the VWIN monitoring program and rates poor. This section of the stream becomes heavily sedimented following rains and remains somewhat turbid most of the time. Conductivity levels are almost always elevated and heavy metals concentrations are subject to extremes. Nutrient concentrations are also elevated. Hominy Creek receives pollutants from many sources including agriculture in the upper part of the watershed, and roads, industry, and development in the lower part of the watershed. Much work will be needed to improve water quality in this watershed.