[UPDATE: The advisory was lifted on July 3.]
OAK ISLAND — The state environmental agency has issued a water quality advisory in a Brunswick County beach town.
State recreational water quality officials are advising beachgoers to be aware of the floodwaters pumped to the ocean surf in Oak Island. All surfers and swimmers should avoid the pumping site near Crowell Street or any other areas affected.
Signs will be posted along the beach as a forewarning and they will be removed 24 hours after pumping has ceased.
Water is being pumped due to recent rains that have flooded streets, yards and housing on the island and to ensure roads are open and emergency personnel can pass through. However, due to flooding, the water could contain pollutants — waste from wildlife, pets, septic system or sewers, or oil and gasoline from parking lots.
It does not mean disease-causing organisms are present; the advisory is to inform swimmers the potential of adverse health effects should they be exposed.
North Carolina’s Recreational Water Quality Programs samples 221 coastal sites weekly from April to October. It reduces its schedule the rest of the year through cooler months.
The public will be notified when the advisory is lifted from Oak Island.
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