State officials have issued a precautionary advisory against swimming in the Cape Fear River along Southport’s waterfront in Brunswick County. This warning follows the discharge of untreated wastewater due to excess rain and king tide flooding, which overwhelmed the Bay Street wastewater pump station.
Brunswick County Public Utilities investigated the situation and, with county assistance, used pump trucks to manage and monitor the issue until conditions normalized at the Bay Street pump station. The spill has stopped, with an estimated 17,000 gallons of untreated sewage released into the collection system.
The discharge raises concerns about potential contamination in the Cape Fear River and nearby creeks along Southport’s waterfront. “Adverse health effects such as diarrhea, abdominal cramps and skin infections could occur if people swim in these areas,” stated officials, advising against bodily contact with these waters.
State officials are keeping track of developments and will lift the advisory once bacteriological tests meet state and federal standards.
For further details on the N.C. Recreational Water Quality Program or to view testing site maps, visit their website or follow their social media accounts.
