State officials have issued a swimming advisory for a sound-side site in Beaufort County after water samples showed bacteria levels above state and federal standards. The advisory applies to the public access area at Pantego Creek, located at the intersection of East Main and Tooley Streets in Belhaven.
Recent testing found a monthly running average of 43 enterococci per 100 milliliters of water, which is higher than the standard limit of 35 enterococci per 100 milliliters set by both North Carolina and the Environmental Protection Agency. The measurement was based on five samples collected over a 30-day period.
Enterococci are bacteria commonly found in the intestines of warm-blooded animals. While these bacteria themselves are not known to cause illness, their presence can indicate that other disease-causing organisms may be present. Health officials note that people who swim or play in waters with elevated bacteria levels face an increased 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 will continue monitoring water quality at this site and will update the public when bacteria levels fall below established standards.
Throughout coastal North Carolina, recreational water quality officials regularly test 224 sites from April through October, with reduced testing during colder months when fewer people use these waters. More information about the N.C. Recreational Water Quality Program and maps showing testing locations can be found on the program’s website.
