State officials have issued a precautionary swimming advisory for ocean waters along Cape Hatteras National Seashore in Dare County. The affected area includes the Villages of Rodanthe, Buxton, and Hatteras along Highway 12.
The advisory follows Hurricane Erin, which caused significant erosion and storm surge in the region. According to state recreational water quality officials, “The advisory is due to public health risks resulting from exposed septic drain fields and pumping of ocean over wash to the ocean surf. Hurricane Erin caused extensive erosion and storm surge in this area.”
Officials warn that wastewater discharges could lead to contamination in the ocean and nearby tidal pools. They stated, “Wastewater discharges increase the risk that contamination is present in the ocean and nearby tidal pools. 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.”
They also noted that “The risk of exposure from wastewater system failures is temporary and should be resolved once the septic tank is emptied and the system is no longer being utilized. The state is working with the National Park Service and Dare County officials to determine when the risk of exposure is no longer a concern.”
Water pumped from Highway 12 into the ocean may contain pollutants including waste from wildlife or pets, oil or gasoline runoff from parking lots, as well as waste from septic systems.
Officials are actively monitoring water quality. They said, “State officials are monitoring the situation and will lift the advisory when bacteriological test results come back within state and federal standards and 24 hours after pumping has ceased when the risk of exposure is no longer a concern.”
For additional details about North Carolina’s Recreational Water Quality Program or for maps showing testing locations, residents can visit the program’s website or follow updates on its X feed.
