State officials have issued a precautionary advisory warning the public against swimming in ocean waters along Cape Hatteras National Seashore, specifically between the Villages of Rodanthe, Buxton, and Hatteras on Highway 12. The advisory follows Hurricane Erin, which caused significant erosion and storm surge in the area.
The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality reported that exposed septic drain fields and pumping of ocean over wash into the surf have led to increased wastewater discharges. This raises concerns about possible contamination in both the ocean and nearby tidal pools.
“Wastewater discharges increase the risk that contamination is present in the ocean and nearby tidal pools. Adverse health effects such as diarrhea, abdominal cramps and skin infections could occur if people swim in these areas, and the public is advised to avoid bodily contact with these waters,” officials stated.
The risk from wastewater system failures is expected to be temporary. Officials said it should resolve once septic tanks are emptied and systems are no longer used. The state is coordinating with the National Park Service and Dare County officials to assess when it will be safe for swimming again.
Additionally, water pumped from Highway 12 may contain pollutants including waste from wildlife and pets, oil and gasoline runoff from parking lots, as well as waste from septic systems.
“State officials are monitoring the situation and will lift the advisory when bacteriological test results come back within state and federal standards and 24 hours after pumping has ceased when the risk of exposure is no longer a concern,” according to authorities.
Further information about water quality testing sites can be found on the N.C. Recreational Water Quality Program’s website (https://deq.nc.gov/about/divisions/marine-fisheries/nc-recreational-water-quality-program) or by following its X feed (https://twitter.com/NCrecprgm).
