State officials have lifted a precautionary swimming advisory for ocean waters along parts of Cape Hatteras National Seashore. The decision follows water testing that showed bacteria levels now meet state and federal standards for recreational use. However, a separate safety closure by the National Park Service remains in place.
Ocean water samples collected on August 26 from the Villages of Rodanthe, Buxton, and Hatteras revealed bacteria levels well below the single sample standard of 104 enterococci per 100 milliliters of water. All ocean-side samples had less than 10 enterococci per 100 milliliters. Enterococci is the group of bacteria used to assess water quality for swimming.
A beachfront safety closure issued by the National Park Service on August 23 continues due to safety concerns in Buxton village. For more details about this closure, residents are advised to contact Mike Barber at 252-475-9032.
Previously, state officials warned the public on August 22 about health risks from exposed septic drain fields and pumping of ocean overwash into surf after Hurricane Erin caused significant erosion and storm surge in the area.
The North Carolina Recreational Water Quality Program monitors 224 coastal sites, with most sampled weekly between April and October; sampling is reduced during colder months when recreational use decreases. More information about this program, including a map of testing locations, can be found on its website or through its X feed.
