SOUTHEASTERN N.C. — The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality announced the precautionary advisory against swimming, issued due to Tropical Storm Idalia, has been lifted in most areas.
The advisory went into effect Aug. 31. It included the ocean and sound side waters along Idalia’s path, from Brunswick to Hyde counties.
As of Wednesday, the state has lifted it in Brunswick, New Hanover, and Pender, counties, as well as Onslow, Carteret, Dare and Hyde counties. Tested water samples show bacterial levels to meet the state’s and Environmental Protection Agency’s standards.
Though, a precautionary swimming advisory remains for some areas including:
- Ocean beaches east of the eastern end of Oak Island in Brunswick County
- Estuarine rivers in Pamlico, Craven and Beaufort counties
- Ocean beaches north of the Nags Head Fishing Pier to the Wright Memorial Bridge in Dare County
Two additional swimming sites in Carteret and Dare counties also continue under advisories — the first issued Aug. 22 for public access Bogue Sound at 16th Street in Morehead City and on July 9 at Jockey’s Ridge soundside access.
Tests will continue and the public will be notified upon the results.
Coastal recreational waters in North Carolina are generally clean, according to DEQ. But monitoring, especially after a storm, is necessary, as excessive rains and flooding can churn up bacteria due to stormwater runoff pollutants, such as waste from septic systems, sewer line breaks, pet waste, wildlife, petroleum products and other chemicals.
More information can be found here.
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