The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality is getting the word out about the need to improve area creeks.

DEQ held a meeting Thursday evening in Mount Solon to discuss some possible causes of pollution and options to improve water quality.

The department presented studies on Mossy Creek, Long Glade Run and Naked Creek. The streams either have too much sediment or bacteria in them, which attracted the public's attention.

"That's not to say that folks should totally avoid them, but we should use caution. If you do go in or have contact with the water, do wash your hands or hand sanitize yourself," says Tara Sieber, a water quality specialist for DEQ.

DEQ is collecting comments about the creek findings until July 15.