State officials have lifted a swimming advisory for a sound-side area in Brunswick County after recent water tests showed that bacteria levels have returned to acceptable standards.
The advisory, which had been in place at the public kayak launch in Cottage Creek at the end of W. West Street in Southport since October 16, was removed following new test results. Water samples collected on October 14 and 15 indicated enterococci bacteria levels above 104 per 100 milliliters, exceeding state and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) limits for recreational coastal waters. However, subsequent testing on October 27 found bacteria concentrations below both state and federal standards.
“The advisory was lifted because water testing shows that bacteria levels have dropped below the state’s and Environmental Protection Agency’s standards set for swimming and water play,” officials stated.
The sign warning against swimming or other contact with the water has now been taken down.
Enterococci bacteria are used as indicators in water quality testing because they are present in the intestines of warm-blooded animals. While not known to cause illness directly, their presence can signal that other harmful organisms may be present. Exposure to waters with high bacterial counts increases the risk of gastrointestinal illnesses or skin infections.
Officials note that North Carolina’s coastal recreational waters are generally safe but emphasize ongoing monitoring to identify any localized issues. The N.C. Recreational Water Quality Program regularly samples 224 sites along the coast, with most locations tested weekly from April through October.
Further details about the program and a map of sampling sites can be found on its website or social media accounts.
