State recreational water quality officials have lifted a swimming advisory for a sound-side area in Carteret County. The decision follows recent water testing that indicates bacteria levels are now below the standards set by both the state and the Environmental Protection Agency for safe swimming and water activities.
The advisory, initially issued on May 30, was for the public sound-side area located just west of the Atlantic Beach High-rise Bridge in Bogue Sound near Atlantic Beach. Tests conducted on May 28 and May 29 had shown bacteria levels exceeding 104 enterococci per 100 milliliters of water, which is above the standard for recreational coastal waters. However, subsequent tests have confirmed that bacteria levels are now within acceptable limits.
As a result, signage advising against swimming, skiing, or other contact with the water has been removed.
Enterococci bacteria are used as an indicator during testing because they are found in warm-blooded animals’ intestines. While not directly causing illness, these bacteria can suggest the presence of other harmful organisms. Exposure to waters with elevated enterococci levels can increase risks of gastrointestinal illnesses or skin infections.
North Carolina’s coastal recreational waters are typically clean; however, monitoring remains essential to identify any local issues promptly. The N.C. Recreational Water Quality Program conducts regular sampling at 222 sites along the state’s coastlines from April through October each year.
Further information about the N.C. Recreational Water Quality Program and maps of testing sites can be accessed via their website and social media platforms.
