An advisory has been issued against swimming at a sound-side site in Dare County due to elevated bacteria levels. State recreational water quality officials have identified that the bacteria levels in the water exceed both state and Environmental Protection Agency standards.
The affected area is located at Jockey’s Ridge Sound-side Access in Nags Head. Recent tests show a running monthly average of 37 enterococci per 100 milliliters of water, surpassing the acceptable limit of 35 enterococci per 100 milliliters set by state and federal guidelines. This standard is based on five samples collected over a 30-day period.
Enterococci are bacteria found in the intestines of warm-blooded animals. Although they do not directly cause illness, their presence can indicate other harmful organisms. Swimming or playing in waters with high bacteria levels increases the risk of gastrointestinal illnesses or skin infections.
The advisory does not imply a beach closure and does not affect all areas of Nags Head. It 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
State officials will continue monitoring the site and will remove the advisory once bacteria levels fall below the established standards.
Recreational water quality officials regularly sample 221 sites along the coastal region, mostly on a weekly basis from April to October, with reduced testing during other months when fewer people are present in the water.
For further details about the N.C. Recreational Water Quality Program or to view testing site maps, visit their website or follow their social media accounts.
