State officials have issued a swimming advisory for a sound-side site in Dare County due to high bacteria levels. The advisory applies to the public access point at Croatan Sound, located at the end of Airport Road near Manteo. Recent water samples collected on June 17 and June 18 revealed bacteria concentrations exceeding state and federal standards, which are set at 104 enterococci per 100 milliliters for Tier 2 non-daily use sites.
The N.C. Recreational Water Quality Program conducts water quality tests at ocean and sound beaches following federal and state regulations. Enterococci, the bacteria used in these tests, originates from the intestines of warm-blooded animals. Although not directly harmful, enterococci presence may indicate other potentially dangerous organisms in the water. Exposure to such waters could increase risks of gastrointestinal illnesses or skin infections.
The current advisory does not constitute a beach closure nor does it affect the entire Croatan Sound area; it specifically targets waters within 200 feet of a posted sign warning against swimming:
“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.”
The Office of the State Health Director assures continued monitoring until bacteria levels fall below established safety thresholds, after which they will remove advisories and notify the public.
Throughout April to October, state recreational water quality officials sample approximately 222 coastal sites weekly. Testing is less frequent during colder months when water activity decreases.
For further details about the N.C. Recreational Water Quality Program or to access testing site maps, visit their website or follow their social media updates.
