An advisory has been issued against swimming at a sound-side location in Carteret County due to elevated bacteria levels, according to state recreational water quality officials. The affected area is the public access to Bogue Sound at 16th Street in Morehead City. Water samples from this site showed a running monthly average of 38 enterococci per 100 milliliters, surpassing both state and Environmental Protection Agency standards, which set the limit at a running monthly average of 35 enterococci per 100 milliliters based on five samples over 30 days.
Enterococci are bacteria found in the intestines of warm-blooded animals. Although not directly causing illness, they can indicate the presence of other harmful organisms. Swimming in waters with elevated bacteria levels may increase the risk of gastrointestinal illnesses or skin infections.
The advisory does not imply a beach closure nor does it impact all of Bogue Sound. It specifically applies to waters within 200 feet of the posted sign, which warns:
“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.”
State health officials will continue monitoring the site and will remove the advisory once bacteria levels fall below standard thresholds.
Recreational water quality officials conduct regular sampling at 222 sites along the coast, primarily on a weekly basis from April through October, with reduced testing during off-peak months when fewer people swim.
For further details about the N.C. Recreational Water Quality Program or to view testing sites on a map, visit their website and follow their social media updates.
