State officials have issued a swimming advisory for the sound-side area at Jockey’s Ridge Sound-side Access in Nags Head, Dare County. Recent water samples from this site showed bacteria levels that exceed both state and Environmental Protection Agency recreational water quality standards.
Testing revealed a running monthly average of 64 enterococci per 100 milliliters of water, which is above the allowed standard of 35 enterococci per 100 milliliters. The measurements are based on five samples collected within a 30-day period.
Enterococci bacteria are used as indicators in water testing and are found in the intestines of warm-blooded animals. Although these bacteria do not directly cause illness, their presence can signal other disease-causing organisms may be present. Exposure to waters with high levels of these bacteria increases the risk of gastrointestinal illness or skin infections.
Officials clarified that this is not a beach closure and does not affect the entire Nags Head area. The advisory applies only to waters within 200 feet of the posted sign at Jockey’s Ridge Sound-side Access. 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”
The North Carolina Department Of Environmental Quality stated that officials will continue testing at the affected site and will remove the advisory sign once bacteria levels fall below regulatory standards.
Throughout the coastal region, recreational water quality officials sample 224 sites, with most tested weekly from April through October. Testing occurs less frequently during other months when fewer people use these waters.
More information about North Carolina’s Recreational Water Quality Program and maps of testing locations can be found on the program’s website and social media channels.
