State recreational water quality officials today lifted two water quality swimming advisories for sound-side swimming areas in Brunswick County.
The advisories are being lifted because water testing shows that bacteria levels have dropped below the state’s and Environmental Protection Agency’s standards set for swimming and water play.
Both advisories were issued for areas in the town of Southport. One is for the public kayak launch in Cottage Creek at the end of W. West Street and the other is for waters along the Cape Fear River at the public beach area adjacent to the municipal pier at the end of South Davis Street on Aug. 6. Test results of water samples taken on Aug. 4 and Aug. 5 showed bacteria levels exceeding 104 enterococci per 100 milliliters of water, the standard for recreational use in coastal waters. Test results of water samples from both sites now show bacteria levels below the state and federal recreational water quality standards.
The signs advising against swimming, skiing or otherwise coming into contact with the water have been removed.
Enterococci, the bacteria group used for testing, is found in the intestines of warm-blooded animals. While it is not known to cause illness, scientific studies show that enterococci may indicate the presence of other disease-causing organisms. People swimming or playing in waters with bacteria levels higher than the standards have an increased risk of developing gastrointestinal illness or skin infections.
Coastal recreational waters in North Carolina are generally clean. However, it is important to continue monitoring them and to be informed of any localized problems. The N.C. Recreational Water Quality Program samples 224 sites in coastal waters of the state, most of them on a weekly basis from April through October.
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.