State officials have lifted a swimming advisory for a sound-side area in New Hanover County, following water tests that showed bacteria levels have fallen below state and federal standards. The advisory was initially issued on May 16 at the public beach across from Whiskey Creek near marker #135 in Wilmington after samples taken on May 14 and May 15 revealed elevated bacteria levels exceeding the standard of 104 enterococci per 100 milliliters of water.
Recent tests indicate that bacteria levels are now within acceptable limits, prompting the removal of signs warning against swimming or other water activities. Enterococci, used as an indicator in testing, is not known to cause illness but may signal the presence of harmful organisms. High levels can increase the risk of gastrointestinal illness or skin infections for swimmers.
North Carolina’s coastal waters are generally clean, but regular monitoring is essential to identify localized issues. The N.C. Recreational Water Quality Program conducts sampling at 222 sites along the coast, primarily from April through October.
For more information about the program or to view testing site maps, visit their website or follow their social media accounts.
