State officials have issued a swimming advisory for the sound-side area at Jockey’s Ridge Sound-side Access in Nags Head, Dare County. The advisory comes after water quality tests showed that bacteria levels exceed both state and Environmental Protection Agency standards for recreational waters.
According to officials, the running monthly average of enterococci bacteria measured 64 per 100 milliliters of water. This figure is above the allowed standard of 35 enterococci per 100 milliliters, which is calculated based on five samples taken within a 30-day period.
Enterococci are bacteria found in the intestines of warm-blooded animals. While these bacteria themselves are not known to cause illness, their presence can indicate that other harmful organisms may be in the water. Health experts say that people who swim or play in water with high levels of such bacteria face a higher risk of gastrointestinal illness or skin infections.
The advisory does not close the beach or affect all of Nags Head. It applies only to waters within 200 feet of the posted sign at Jockey’s Ridge Sound-side Access. The sign reads:
“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”
Officials will continue testing at this site and will remove the sign when bacteria levels return to acceptable limits.
Throughout the coastal region, recreational water quality officials sample 224 sites from April to October, most on a weekly basis. During other months, testing occurs less frequently as fewer people are expected to be in the water.
For more information about the North Carolina Recreational Water Quality Program and to view a map of current testing sites, visit the program’s website (https://deq.nc.gov/about/divisions/marine-fisheries/nc-recreational-water-quality-program) and follow its social media accounts.
