State officials have lifted water quality swimming advisories for four sound-side sites in Beaufort County. The decision follows recent water testing that shows bacteria levels have fallen below the standards set by the state and the Environmental Protection Agency.
The advisories were initially posted on June 19 for areas in the Pamlico River near Washington, including the railroad trestle near downtown, public access at Haven Gardens Park off Park Drive, access off Christian Service Camp Road, and access off Camp Hardee Road. Water samples taken on June 17 and June 18 had shown bacteria levels exceeding 104 enterococci per 100 milliliters of water, surpassing safe recreational use standards for coastal waters. However, tests conducted on June 23 confirmed that bacteria levels are now within acceptable limits.
As a result, signs advising against swimming or other water activities will be removed. Enterococci bacteria used in testing are found in warm-blooded animals’ intestines. While not directly causing illness, they may indicate other harmful organisms’ presence. Exposure to high bacteria levels can increase risks of gastrointestinal illness or skin infections.
Coastal recreational waters in North Carolina are typically clean but require ongoing monitoring to address any localized issues. The N.C. Recreational Water Quality Program samples 222 coastal sites weekly from April through October.
For more details about the program or to view a map of testing sites, visit their website or follow their social media accounts.
