An advisory against swimming has been issued at a sound-side location in Dare County due to elevated bacteria levels found in the water. State officials reported that the levels exceed both state and Environmental Protection Agency recreational water quality standards.
The advisory affects public access to Croatan Sound at the end of Airport Road near Manteo. Water samples taken on June 17 and June 18 showed bacteria levels surpassing the state and federal action threshold of 104 enterococci per 100 milliliters for Tier 2 non-daily use sites. These swimming areas are categorized based on their recreational use, known as tiers.
The N.C. Recreational Water Quality Program conducts tests on water quality at ocean and sound beaches following federal and state laws. Enterococci, a group of bacteria used for testing, is present in warm-blooded animals’ intestines. Although it does not cause illness directly, studies indicate that enterococci can signal the presence of other disease-causing organisms. Individuals swimming or playing in waters with bacteria levels above the action level face an increased risk of gastrointestinal illnesses or skin infections.
This advisory does not equate to a beach closure nor does it affect the entire Croatan Sound area. The advisory applies only to waters within 200 feet of a posted sign which states:
“ATTENTION
SWIMMING IN THIS AREA IS NOT RECOMMENDED. BACTERIA TESTING INDICATES LEVELS OF CONTAMINATION THAT MAY BE HAZARDOUS TO YOUR HEALTH. THIS ADVISORY AFFECTS WATERS WITHIN 200’ OF THIS SIGN.
OFFICE OF THE STATE HEALTH DIRECTOR”
State officials will continue monitoring the site and will remove the sign once bacteria levels drop below standard thresholds.
Recreational water quality officials sample 222 sites along the coastal region, mostly weekly from April to October, with reduced testing during colder months.
For further details on the N.C. Recreational Water Quality Program or to view a map of testing sites, visit their website or follow their social media account.
