State officials have lifted a swimming advisory for a site in Carteret County after recent tests showed improved water quality. The advisory, which was issued on June 10 at Bogue Sound’s public access on Sunset Drive in Morehead City, has been removed following tests indicating bacteria levels have fallen below the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) standards.
The initial advisory was prompted by elevated levels of enterococci bacteria, with a monthly average exceeding the EPA’s threshold of 35 enterococci per 100 milliliters for high-use sites. Enterococci are not directly harmful but can signal the presence of other harmful organisms, increasing risks of gastrointestinal illness or skin infections if water contact occurs.
North Carolina’s coastal waters are generally clean, yet ongoing monitoring is crucial to identify any local issues. The N.C. Recreational Water Quality Program oversees sampling at 222 coastal sites, primarily from April to October.
For more details on testing and site maps, visit the program’s website or follow their social media.
