An advisory has been issued against swimming at a sound-side site in Beaufort County due to elevated bacteria levels. State recreational water quality officials reported that the water at the public access to Pantego Creek, located at the intersection of East Main and Tooley Streets in Belhaven, exceeds both state and Environmental Protection Agency standards.
The test results revealed a monthly running average of 36 enterococci per 100 milliliters of water, surpassing the permissible limit of 35 enterococci per 100 milliliters. Enterococci are bacteria found in warm-blooded animals’ intestines and may indicate other harmful organisms’ presence. Swimming in such waters increases the risk of gastrointestinal illness or skin infections.
“This advisory is not a beach closing, nor does the advisory affect the entire Pantego Creek area,” officials clarified. They will continue monitoring the site and inform the public when bacteria levels fall below acceptable standards.
Recreational water quality officials regularly sample 222 sites along the coastal region from April to October, with reduced testing during other months.
For further details on testing sites or more information about the N.C. Recreational Water Quality Program, visit their website or follow their social media account.
