State recreational water quality officials have lifted a swimming advisory for a sound-side area in Dare County. This decision follows water testing that confirmed bacteria levels have decreased to meet the standards set by both the state and the Environmental Protection Agency for safe swimming and water activities.
The advisory, initially issued on June 19 at Croatan Sound’s public access near Manteo, was based on test results from June 17 and June 18. These tests revealed bacteria levels exceeding 104 enterococci per 100 milliliters of water, surpassing the threshold for recreational coastal waters. Recent tests now show that bacteria levels are within acceptable limits according to state and federal standards.
With the improvement in water quality, the sign warning against swimming, skiing, or other contact with the water has been removed.
Enterococci bacteria are typically found in warm-blooded animals’ intestines. Although not directly harmful, they can indicate potential contamination by other pathogens. Exposure to waters with elevated bacteria levels can increase risks of gastrointestinal illnesses or skin infections.
North Carolina’s coastal recreational waters are usually clean but require regular monitoring to identify any local issues promptly. The N.C. Recreational Water Quality Program conducts sampling at 222 sites along the state’s coastlines, predominantly from April through October.
Further details about this program and testing site maps are available on their website and social media channels.
