An advisory has been issued against swimming at a sound-side site in Carteret County, following the detection of bacteria levels exceeding state and Environmental Protection Agency standards. The affected area is located at the public access to Bogue Sound on 16th Street in Morehead City.
State recreational water quality officials reported that water samples showed a running monthly average of 38 enterococci per 100 milliliters, surpassing the standard threshold of 35 enterococci per 100 milliliters. Enterococci are bacteria found in warm-blooded animals’ intestines and can indicate other harmful organisms’ presence. Swimming in contaminated waters may increase the risk of gastrointestinal illness or skin infections.
The advisory applies to waters within 200 feet of the posted sign, which 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.” It is important to note that this is not a beach closing and does not affect the entire Bogue Sound area.
Officials will continue monitoring the site and will remove the advisory once bacteria levels fall below acceptable standards. Recreational water quality officials conduct regular sampling at 222 sites along the coastal region, primarily from April to October, with reduced testing during off-peak months.
For further details on the N.C. Recreational Water Quality Program or to view testing sites, visit their website or follow their social media account.
