State officials have lifted swimming advisories at two public access sites in Carteret County after recent water tests showed that bacteria levels have dropped below both state and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards.
The advisories, which were issued on August 12 for the public access points to Bogue Sound at 16th Street and Sunset Drive in Morehead City, were prompted by monthly average enterococci bacteria counts above the EPA threshold of 35 enterococci per 100 milliliters. Enterococci is a type of bacteria found in the intestines of warm-blooded animals and is used as an indicator for water quality testing. Although not known to cause illness directly, its presence can signal the potential for other harmful organisms.
“Both advisories were issued on Aug. 12 for areas in Morehead City. One was at the public access to Bogue Sound at 16th Street and the other at the public access to Bogue Sound at Sunset Drive. These areas showed a monthly average of the bacteria enterococci above the EPA-mandated level of 35 enterococci per 100 milliliters of water, the standard for high-use sites. Subsequent testing of water samples collected at these sites found that bacteria levels have fallen below this standard. The signs advising against swimming, skiing or otherwise coming into contact with the water have been removed.”
According to officials, people who swim or play in waters where bacteria exceed established standards are at greater risk for gastrointestinal illnesses or skin infections.
“Enterococci, the bacteria group used for testing, is found in the intestines of warm-blooded animals. While it is not known to cause illness, scientific studies show that enterococci may indicate the presence of other disease-causing organisms. People swimming or playing in waters with bacteria levels higher than the standards have an increased risk of developing gastrointestinal illness or skin infections.”
North Carolina’s coastal recreational waters are generally clean but are monitored regularly to identify any localized issues. The N.C. Recreational Water Quality Program conducts sampling at 224 coastal sites across North Carolina—most on a weekly basis from April through October—to ensure public safety.
“Coastal recreational waters in North Carolina are generally clean. However, it is important to continue monitoring them and inform the public of any localized problems. The N.C. Recreational Water Quality Program samples 224 sites in coastal waters of the state, most of them on a weekly basis from April through October.”
Further details about water quality monitoring and site locations can be found on the program’s website.
For ongoing updates about recreational water quality conditions or information about specific testing locations, residents and visitors can also follow the program’s social media account.
