State officials have lifted a swimming advisory for the sound-side area at Jockey’s Ridge Sound-side Access in Nags Head, Dare County. The decision comes after recent water tests showed that bacteria levels have dropped below both state and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards for safe swimming.
The advisory was initially issued on August 15 when water testing detected a monthly average of enterococci bacteria above the EPA threshold of 35 enterococci per 100 milliliters of water, which is the standard for high-use recreational sites. According to officials, subsequent sampling indicated that bacteria levels have now fallen below this limit. As a result, signs warning against swimming or other contact with the water have been removed.
“Enterococci, the bacteria group used for testing, is found in the intestines of warm-blooded animals. While it is not known to cause illness, scientific studies show that enterococci may indicate the presence of other disease-causing organisms. People swimming or playing in waters with bacteria levels higher than the standards have an increased risk of developing gastrointestinal illness or skin infections,” officials stated.
Officials also noted that coastal recreational waters in North Carolina are generally clean but emphasized the importance of ongoing monitoring and public notification about any localized issues. The North Carolina Recreational Water Quality Program regularly samples 224 sites along the coast, with most locations tested weekly from April through October.
More information about water quality monitoring and maps of testing sites can be found on the program’s website and social media channels.
