State recreational water quality officials have lifted a swimming advisory for a sound-side site in Beaufort County. The advisory was removed after tests showed that bacteria levels had decreased to meet both state and Environmental Protection Agency standards for safe swimming and water activities.
The advisory was initially issued on June 18 at the public access point to Pantego Creek, located at East Main and Tooley streets in Belhaven. This action followed water testing that revealed enterococci bacteria levels exceeded the EPA’s standard of 35 enterococci per 100 milliliters of water, which is the benchmark for high-use sites. Recent tests indicate that these bacteria levels have now fallen below the specified limit.
Enterococci are bacteria found in the intestines of warm-blooded animals. While they do not directly cause illness, studies suggest they may signal the presence of other harmful organisms. Swimming or playing in waters with elevated bacteria levels increases the risk of gastrointestinal illness or skin infections.
North Carolina’s coastal recreational waters are typically clean, but ongoing monitoring is essential to address any localized issues promptly. The N.C. Recreational Water Quality Program conducts regular sampling at 223 coastal sites throughout the state, mostly on a weekly basis from April through October.
For further details about the N.C. Recreational Water Quality Program or to view a map of testing locations, individuals can visit the program’s website and follow its social media updates.
