State officials have issued a swimming advisory for a sound-side site in Beaufort County after finding bacteria levels above state and federal standards. The advisory applies to the public access area at Pantego Creek, located at the intersection of East Main and Tooley Streets in Belhaven.
According to test results, the monthly running average was 43 enterococci per 100 milliliters of water. This figure exceeds the standard of a running monthly average of 35 enterococci per 100 milliliters, which is based on five samples taken within a 30-day period.
Enterococci are bacteria found in the intestines of warm-blooded animals. While these bacteria are not known to cause illness themselves, scientific studies indicate that their presence may signal other disease-causing organisms. Exposure to waters with higher than recommended bacteria levels increases the risk of gastrointestinal illness or skin infections.
“This advisory is not a beach closing, nor does the advisory affect the entire Pantego Creek area,” state officials said.
Officials will continue to test water at the site and will update the public when bacteria levels return below established standards.
The North Carolina Recreational Water Quality Program samples 224 sites along the coast, most on a weekly basis from April through October. Testing is conducted less frequently during other months due to reduced water activity. Additional information about testing sites and program updates can be found on the N.C. Recreational Water Quality Program’s website and social media accounts.
