An advisory has been issued against swimming at a sound-side site in Beaufort County due to elevated bacteria levels. State recreational water quality officials found that the water at the public access to Pantego Creek, located at the intersection of East Main and Tooley Streets in Belhaven, exceeds both state and Environmental Protection Agency standards.
The test results show a monthly running average of 36 enterococci per 100 milliliters of water, surpassing the permissible level of 35 enterococci per 100 milliliters based on five samples taken within a month. Enterococci are bacteria from warm-blooded animals’ intestines and may indicate other harmful organisms. Although not directly causing illness, high levels increase risks of gastrointestinal issues or skin infections for swimmers.
“This advisory is not a beach closing, nor does the advisory affect the entire Pantego Creek area,” state officials clarified. They will continue testing and inform the public when conditions improve.
Recreational water quality officials monitor 222 sites along the coast regularly from April to October, with reduced testing during off-peak months. More information about the N.C. Recreational Water Quality Program is available on their website and social media accounts.
