State recreational water quality officials have issued a precautionary advisory for swimmers and surfers in Oak Island, Brunswick County. The advisory comes after recent heavy rainfall led to flooding in parts of Oak Island and nearby areas. To address the flooding and keep roads accessible for emergency vehicles, the town has pumped floodwater into the ocean near Crowell Street.
Officials warn that these floodwaters may contain pollutants such as waste from wildlife and pets, oil and gasoline from parking lots, and waste from septic systems or sewers. While the notice does not indicate that disease-causing organisms are present in the water, it is intended to alert beachgoers to an increased risk of contamination that could cause health problems.
“Surfers and swimmers should avoid these sites,” state officials advised. “This notice does not imply that disease-causing organisms are present in the water; it is meant to caution beachgoers of an increased risk of contamination that can cause adverse health effects.”
Town authorities will place warning signs at the discharge site on the ocean beach. These signs will be removed 24 hours after pumping stops, with state officials notifying the public once this occurs.
The North Carolina Recreational Water Quality Program regularly samples 224 coastal sites—mostly on a weekly basis between April and October—and continues testing less frequently during colder months.
More information about the N.C. Recreational Water Quality Program, including a map of testing locations, can be found on its official website and social media channels.
