State officials have lifted a swimming advisory for a site in Carteret County, North Carolina. The decision comes after recent water testing showed bacteria levels have decreased to meet both state and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards for recreational activities.
The advisory had been in place since June 10 at the public access point to Bogue Sound on Sunset Drive in Morehead City. Initial tests indicated that the bacteria enterococci exceeded the EPA’s standard of 35 enterococci per 100 milliliters of water, which is the benchmark for high-use sites. Follow-up testing confirmed that bacteria levels are now below this threshold, allowing the removal of signs advising against swimming and other water activities.
Enterococci, while not directly causing illness, can signal the presence of harmful organisms. Exposure to waters with elevated bacteria levels increases the risk of gastrointestinal issues or skin infections.
North Carolina’s coastal waters are generally safe, but continuous monitoring is crucial to detect localized issues promptly. The N.C. Recreational Water Quality Program conducts regular sampling at 222 coastal sites from April through October each year.
For further details about water quality testing or to access maps of testing locations, individuals can visit the program’s website or follow its social media updates.
