An advisory against swimming has been issued for a sound-side site in Brunswick County due to elevated bacteria levels found in the water. State officials reported that these levels exceed both state and Environmental Protection Agency standards for recreational water quality.
The advisory specifically targets the public kayak launch in Cottage Creek, located at the end of W. West Street in Southport. Recent tests conducted on May 20 and May 21 revealed bacteria concentrations surpassing the threshold of 104 enterococci per 100 milliliters, which is the action level for Tier 2 non-daily use sites. Recreational areas are categorized into tiers based on their usage.
The N.C. Recreational Water Quality Program conducts regular water quality assessments at ocean and sound beaches, adhering to federal and state regulations. Enterococci, used as an indicator in these tests, originate from warm-blooded animals’ intestines. Although not directly harmful, high levels of enterococci suggest potential contamination by other pathogens that could lead to gastrointestinal illnesses or skin infections if individuals swim or play in such waters.
It is important to note that this advisory does not constitute a beach closure nor does it affect all of Southport. The advisory applies only to waters within 200 feet of the posted sign, which 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”
Officials will continue monitoring the site and will remove the warning sign once bacteria levels fall below acceptable standards.
Throughout the coastal region, state recreational water quality officials sample 222 sites regularly, with most being tested weekly from April through October. Testing continues on a reduced schedule during colder months.
For more information about the N.C. Recreational Water Quality Program or to view a map of testing sites, visit their website or follow their social media account.
