State officials have issued a swimming advisory for a sound-side location in Dare County due to elevated bacteria levels. The advisory, announced today, pertains to the public access area of Croatan Sound at the end of Airport Road near Manteo. Recent tests conducted on June 17 and June 18 revealed bacteria levels surpassing both state and federal standards, which set the limit at 104 enterococci per 100 milliliters for Tier 2 non-daily use sites.
The N.C. Recreational Water Quality Program oversees water quality testing at ocean and sound beaches according to state and federal regulations. Enterococci bacteria, used as an indicator in these tests, are found in warm-blooded animals’ intestines. Although not directly harmful, their presence suggests potential contamination by other disease-causing organisms. Swimming in such waters increases the risk of gastrointestinal illnesses or skin infections.
The current advisory does not imply a beach closure nor does it impact the entire Croatan Sound region; it is specific to waters within 200 feet of a posted sign. The sign warns: “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.”
Officials will continue monitoring the site and will remove the advisory once bacteria levels fall below established safety thresholds.
Testing by state recreational water quality officials occurs at 222 sites along the coast from April to October, with reduced frequency during colder months.
For further details about the N.C. Recreational Water Quality Program or to view testing site maps, individuals can visit the program’s website or follow its social media updates.
