State officials have lifted a precautionary advisory for ocean waters along parts of Cape Hatteras National Seashore after recent water samples showed bacteria levels within state and federal standards. However, a safety closure from the National Park Service remains in effect for some areas.
Tests conducted on August 26 in the Villages of Rodanthe, Buxton, and Hatteras found enterococci bacteria levels well below the single sample standard of 104 per 100 milliliters, with all ocean-side samples measuring less than 10 enterococci per 100 milliliters. Enterococci is the group of bacteria used for testing swimming safety.
The National Park Service’s beachfront safety closure issued on August 23 continues to affect the village of Buxton due to ongoing safety concerns. For more information about this closure, residents are advised to contact Mike Barber at 252-475-9032.
A previous advisory was issued on August 22 following Hurricane Erin, which caused significant erosion and storm surge in the area. The advisory warned about health risks from exposed septic drain fields and pumping ocean overwash into surf zones.
North Carolina’s Recreational Water Quality Program regularly monitors water quality at 224 coastal sites across the state. Most locations are tested weekly from April through October, with reduced testing during colder months. More details about site locations and updates can be found on the program’s website and X feed.
