State recreational water quality officials today lifted the precautionary advisory against swimming in ocean-side waters in Dare County affected by hazardous weather conditions caused by the recent nor’easter.
The precautionary advisory was lifted for ocean-side waters after test results of water samples showed bacteria levels that meet the state’s and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s safe swimming standards.
Jockey’s Ridge sound-side access in Nags Head remains under an advisory. Test results of water samples taken indicate a running monthly average of 39 enterococci may indicate the presence of other disease-causing organisms. This exceeds the state and federal standards of a running monthly average of 35 enterococci per 100 milliliters, based on five samples taken within a 30-day period. People swimming or playing in waters with bacteria levels higher than the standard have an increased risk of developing gastrointestinal illness or skin infections.
Recreational water quality officials sample 226 sites throughout the coastal region, most of them on a weekly basis from April to October. Testing continues on a reduced schedule during the rest of the year, when waters are colder.
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.