State officials have issued swimming advisories for four sound-side sites in Beaufort County, following the detection of bacteria levels exceeding both state and Environmental Protection Agency recreational water quality standards. The affected areas are located in the Pamlico River near Washington.
The specific sites under advisory include the railroad trestle near the channel to downtown, public access at Haven Gardens Park off Park Drive, access off Christian Service Camp Road, and access off Camp Hardee Road. Water samples collected on June 17 and June 18 revealed bacteria levels surpassing the action threshold of 104 enterococci per 100 milliliters for Tier 2 non-daily use sites.
The N.C. Recreational Water Quality Program conducts water quality testing at ocean and sound beaches according to federal and state regulations. Enterococci, a group of bacteria used for testing, originates from warm-blooded animals’ intestines. While not directly causing illness, these bacteria can indicate other harmful organisms’ presence. Swimming in waters with elevated bacteria levels poses an increased risk of gastrointestinal illnesses or skin infections.
This advisory does not constitute a beach closure nor does it impact the entire Pamlico River area. It specifically pertains to waters within 200 feet of posted signs warning against swimming due to potential health hazards.
State officials will continue monitoring the site and will remove advisories once bacteria levels fall below established standards. The N.C. Recreational Water Quality Program routinely samples 222 coastal region sites weekly from April through October, with reduced frequency during colder months.
For further details on the program or to view a map of testing locations, visit their website or follow their social media updates.
