State officials have lifted a swimming advisory for a sound-side area in New Hanover County. The decision follows water testing that confirmed bacteria levels have fallen below the standards set by both the state and the Environmental Protection Agency.
The advisory, issued on May 16, was related to a public beach near Whiskey Creek along the Intracoastal Waterway in Wilmington. Initial tests conducted on May 14 and May 15 revealed bacteria levels exceeding 104 enterococci per 100 milliliters of water, surpassing the standard for recreational coastal waters. Recent tests indicate that bacteria levels are now within acceptable limits.
A sign warning against swimming or other water activities has been removed. Enterococci, used as an indicator in testing, is typically found in warm-blooded animals’ intestines. While not directly harmful, its presence can suggest other pathogens may be present, increasing risks of gastrointestinal illness or skin infections.
North Carolina’s coastal waters are generally clean but require ongoing monitoring to identify localized issues. The N.C. Recreational Water Quality Program regularly samples 222 sites along the coast from April through October.
For further details about the program or to view testing site maps, visit their website or follow their social media updates.
