State officials have lifted a swimming advisory at a sound-side location in Dare County, following tests that indicate bacteria levels have returned to acceptable standards. The advisory was initially issued on April 24 for Jockey’s Ridge Sound-side Access in Nags Head after tests showed enterococci bacteria levels exceeded the Environmental Protection Agency’s limit of 35 enterococci per 100 milliliters of water.
Recent testing has confirmed that bacteria levels are now below this threshold, allowing the removal of warning signs against swimming or engaging in water activities. Enterococci, found in warm-blooded animals’ intestines, is used as an indicator because it may signal the presence of harmful organisms despite not causing illness itself. Waters with high bacteria levels pose risks of gastrointestinal and skin infections.
North Carolina’s coastal waters are typically clean, but monitoring remains essential to identify and address localized issues. The N.C. Recreational Water Quality Program conducts regular sampling at 221 sites along the coast from April through October.
Further details about the program and a map of testing sites can be accessed on their website and social media platforms.
