State officials have lifted a water quality swimming advisory for a sound-side area in Brunswick County. The decision follows recent tests showing bacteria levels have decreased to meet both state and Environmental Protection Agency standards for safe swimming and water activities.
The advisory was initially issued at the public kayak launch in Cottage Creek, Southport, on May 22. This followed test results from May 20 and May 21, which revealed bacteria levels exceeding the standard of 104 enterococci per 100 milliliters of water for recreational coastal waters. However, samples taken on June 10 indicated that bacteria levels had fallen below the required thresholds.
The warning sign advising against swimming, skiing, or contact with the water has now been removed. Enterococci bacteria are used as indicators in testing because they are found in warm-blooded animals’ intestines. While not directly harmful, their presence can suggest other disease-causing organisms might be present. Waters with high bacteria levels pose increased risks of gastrointestinal illnesses or skin infections.
North Carolina’s coastal recreational waters are generally clean, but ongoing monitoring is crucial to address any localized issues promptly. The N.C. Recreational Water Quality Program conducts regular sampling at 222 sites along the state’s coastlines, primarily from April through October.
For further details about the N.C. Recreational Water Quality Program or to view a map of testing locations, visit their website or follow their social media updates.
