Advisories have been issued for two sound-side swimming areas in Dare County after state officials detected bacteria levels above acceptable standards. The affected sites are the Croatan Sound access at the end of Pear Pad Road near Manteo and the Roanoke Sound access at Jockey’s Ridge State Park in Nags Head.
Water samples collected on October 13 and 14 showed enterococci bacteria concentrations exceeding both state and Environmental Protection Agency recreational water quality limits of 104 enterococci per 100 milliliters. These limits apply to both daily and non-daily use sites.
The North Carolina Recreational Water Quality Program conducts regular testing of ocean and sound beaches as required by federal and state law. Enterococci bacteria, used as an indicator in these tests, are found in the intestines of warm-blooded animals. While not directly causing illness, their presence may signal other disease-causing organisms. Exposure to water with high bacteria levels can increase the risk of gastrointestinal illnesses or skin infections.
Officials clarified that these advisories do not constitute a full beach closure nor do they affect all waters of Croatan and Roanoke Sounds. The advisory is limited to waters within 200 feet of posted signs at each site. The signs read:
“ATTENTION
SWIMMING IN THIS AREA IS NOT RECOMMENDED. BACTERIA TESTING INDICATES
LEVELS OF CONTAMINATION THAT MAY BE HAZARDOUS TO YOUR
HEALTH. THIS ADVISORY AFFECTS WATERS WITHIN 200’ OF THIS SIGN.
OFFICE OF THE STATE HEALTH DIRECTOR”
State health officials will continue monitoring water quality at these locations. Signs will be removed and the public notified once bacteria levels fall below regulatory thresholds.
The Recreational Water Quality Program samples water at 224 coastal sites, most on a weekly basis from April through October, with reduced testing during colder months.
Further information about the program, including a map of testing sites, is available on its website and social media accounts.
