State recreational water quality officials today issued a precautionary advisory warning the public against swimming in the Cape Fear River along the waterfront in the city of Southport.
The advisory is due to public health risks resulting from the discharge of untreated wastewater caused by excess rain and king tide flooding, overwhelming the Bay Street wastewater pump station.
Brunswick County Public Utilities investigated the incident and with help from the county, pump trucks were used to mitigate and monitor the issue until flood waters subsided, and operating conditions of the Bay Street pump station returned to normal. The spill has ceased, and it is estimated that the collection system lost approximately 17,000 gallons of untreated sewage.
Wastewater discharges increase the risk that contamination is present in the Cape Fear River and nearby creeks along the Southport waterfront. Adverse health effects such as diarrhea, abdominal cramps and skin infections could occur if people swim in these areas, and the public is advised to avoid bodily contact with these waters.
State officials are monitoring the situation and will lift the advisory when bacteriological test results come back within state and federal standards.
For more information on the N.C. Recreational Water Quality Program or to a view a map of testing sites, visit the program’s website, and follow the program’s social media account.