State officials have issued swimming advisories for four sound-side locations in Beaufort County due to elevated bacteria levels. The areas affected are situated along the Pamlico River near Washington, specifically at the railroad trestle near the downtown channel, Haven Gardens Park public access off Park Drive, Christian Service Camp Road access, and Camp Hardee Road access.
Water samples collected on June 17 and June 18 revealed bacteria concentrations surpassing the state and federal threshold of 104 enterococci per 100 milliliters for Tier 2 non-daily use sites. These sites are categorized based on their recreational usage frequency.
The N.C. Recreational Water Quality Program is responsible for monitoring water quality at ocean and sound beaches under both federal and state regulations. Enterococci, a bacteria group found in warm-blooded animals’ intestines, serves as an indicator for potential disease-causing organisms in water. Although enterococci itself does not cause illness, exposure to waters with high levels may increase the risk of gastrointestinal issues or skin infections.
The advisory does not equate to a beach closure nor does it encompass the entire Pamlico River area; it applies only within 200 feet of posted signs. The sign advises: “SWIMMING IN THIS AREA IS NOT RECOMMENDED. BACTERIA TESTING INDICATES LEVELS OF CONTAMINATION THAT MAY BE HAZARDOUS TO YOUR HEALTH.”
Officials will continue monitoring these sites and will remove advisories once bacteria levels fall below established standards.
The N.C. Recreational Water Quality Program conducts regular sampling across 222 coastal sites from April through October, with reduced testing during colder months.
For further details on testing sites or program information, visit their website or follow their social media updates.
