State officials have lifted a precautionary swimming advisory for ocean waters along parts of Cape Hatteras National Seashore after recent tests showed bacteria levels are within safe limits. The advisory was removed because water samples taken on August 26 in the Villages of Rodanthe, Buxton, and Hatteras had bacteria levels well below state and federal standards.
Test results indicated that all ocean-side samples contained less than 10 Enterococci per 100 milliliters of water. The standard for swimming and water play is 104 enterococci per 100 milliliters. Enterococci are used as an indicator group for testing water quality.
Despite the lifting of the state advisory, a federal beachfront safety closure issued by the National Park Service remains in effect for the village of Buxton due to ongoing safety concerns. Those seeking more information about this closure can contact Mike Barber at 252-475-9032.
Previously, state officials warned the public on August 22 about health risks related to exposed septic drain fields and pumping ocean over wash into the surf after Hurricane Erin caused erosion and storm surge in the area.
Recreational water quality officials regularly test 224 sites along North Carolina’s coast, with most sites sampled weekly from April through October. Testing continues during colder months but less frequently.
For further details or to view a map of testing locations, visit the N.C. Recreational Water Quality Program’s website or follow their X feed.
