MOREHEAD CITY – State recreational water quality officials today lifted a water quality swimming advisory for two sound-side swimming areas in Carteret County.
The advisories were 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.
The advisories were posted for areas in Cedar Island near the ferry landing on Sept 25. One advisory was located at the beach access southeast of the wildlife boat ramp and the other was for waters just west of the ferry landing off Sand View Drive. Test results of water samples taken on Sept. 23 and Sept. 24 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 these areas 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 has 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 226 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.