An advisory has been issued against swimming at a sound-side location in Beaufort County due to elevated bacteria levels. State recreational water quality officials have identified bacteria concentrations exceeding both state and Environmental Protection Agency standards.
The affected area is located at the public access point to Pantego Creek, situated at the intersection of East Main and Tooley Streets in Belhaven. Water samples from this site show a running monthly average of 37 enterococci per 100 milliliters, surpassing the standard threshold of 35 enterococci per 100 milliliters, which is determined by five samples taken over a 30-day period.
Enterococci are bacteria typically found in the intestines of warm-blooded animals. Although not directly linked to illness, these bacteria can indicate the presence of other harmful organisms. Exposure to waters with elevated bacteria levels may increase the risk of gastrointestinal illnesses or skin infections.
It is important to note that this advisory does not constitute a beach closure nor does it apply to the entire Pantego Creek area. The warning specifically targets waters within 200 feet of the posted sign. The sign reads:
“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 officials will continue monitoring the site and will remove the advisory sign once bacteria levels fall below accepted standards.
Recreational water quality officials conduct regular sampling at 221 sites across the coastal region, primarily on a weekly basis from April through October. Testing continues on a reduced schedule during off-peak months when fewer people are present in the water.
For further information about the N.C. Recreational Water Quality Program or to view testing site maps, visit their website and social media channels.
