MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (AP) - A new report says the way to clean up the Lower New River is to clean up the creeks and streams that flow into it.
The New River Clean Water Alliance is releasing a report Thursday that says water quality is impaired.
That means on rainy, high-water days, the river doesn't meet West Virginia's standards for a river that serves as a drinking water supply and source of contact recreation like swimming.
The alliance, comprised of groups including the National Parks Conservation Association, says citizens' groups and community leaders must work together to clean up polluted tributaries.
The New is one of the nation's busiest whitewater rivers, providing millions to the region's economy.
Mark Lewis of West Virginia Professional River Outfitters says it's difficult to overstate its importance to tourism.
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