WATAUGA COUNTY, N.C. -- The Watauga River hit near record levels last week. It was 16 feet higher than normal.

• Watauga River hit record levels
• Riverkeeper says the water has a high level of E-coli
• Businesses and riverkeeper say the water is dangerous

Saturday, the river was jumping its bank.  The Watauga Riverkeeper warns with all that rain comes dangers in the water.

Officials tested the water and says it shows a high level of E. coli. Foscoe Fishing Company and Outfitters owner Alex Dale says he is advising customers not to fish in the river.

“We know a gallon of water is eight pounds. We are talking about thousands of gallons of water moving,” Dale said.

The Watauga Riverkeeper says not only are the high speeds and E. coli causing problems, but because the water is murky it’s hard to tell just what debris is in the water.

Some Boone residents didn't feel the warnings were necessary and went tubing down the river Wednesday.

“It had the control there. I had no control,” tuber Justin Frissel said. “I usually keep my mouth closed so I think I'm good. I don't think I had water in my mouth.”

Something both the Watauga Riverkeeper and businesses highly advise against.