An advisory against swimming has been issued for a sound-side site in Carteret County. State recreational water quality officials detected bacteria levels exceeding the standards set by both the state and the Environmental Protection Agency.
The affected area is at the public access to Bogue Sound on Sunset Drive in Morehead City. Water samples revealed a monthly running average of 41 enterococci per 100 milliliters, surpassing the acceptable standard of 35 enterococci per 100 milliliters based on five samples taken over a month.
Enterococci, found in warm-blooded animals’ intestines, do not directly cause illness but can indicate other harmful organisms’ presence. Swimming in waters with elevated bacteria levels may increase risks of gastrointestinal illnesses or skin infections.
The advisory does not constitute a beach closure and is limited to waters within 200 feet of the posted sign. The sign reads:
“ATTENTION
SWIMMING IN THIS AREA IS NOT RECOMMENDED. BACTERIA TESTING INDICATES LEVELS OF CONTAMINATION THAT MAY BE HAZARDOUS TO YOUR HEALTH. THIS ADVISORY AFFECTS WATERS WITHIN 200’ OF THIS SIGN.
OFFICE OF THE STATE HEALTH DIRECTOR”
State officials will continue testing and will remove the advisory once bacteria levels fall below standard thresholds.
Recreational water quality officials regularly sample 222 sites along the coastal region from April to October, with reduced testing during other months when fewer people swim.
For more information about the N.C. Recreational Water Quality Program or to view testing sites, visit their website or follow their social media accounts.
