State officials have lifted a swimming advisory for a sound-side area in Dare County after recent water tests showed bacteria levels are now within acceptable limits.
The advisory, which was put in place on October 15 at the Croatan Sound access at the end of Pear Pad Road near Manteo, followed test results from October 13 and 14 that found enterococci bacteria levels above the state standard of 104 per 100 milliliters. According to the latest samples collected on October 27, bacteria counts have since dropped below both state and Environmental Protection Agency standards for recreational waters.
“The advisory was lifted because water testing shows that bacteria levels have dropped below the state’s and Environmental Protection Agency’s standards set for swimming and water play,” officials stated.
With improved conditions, signs warning against swimming or other contact with the water have been removed.
Enterococci is a group of bacteria commonly found in the intestines of warm-blooded animals. While not directly known to cause illness, its presence can signal other disease-causing organisms may be present. Health experts note that exposure to waters with high bacteria counts can increase risks for gastrointestinal illnesses or skin infections.
Officials noted that most coastal recreational waters in North Carolina remain clean but emphasized ongoing monitoring efforts. The North Carolina Recreational Water Quality Program collects samples from 224 sites along the coast, with most locations tested weekly between April and October.
More information about the program and a map of testing sites can be found on its website and social media channels.
