BRUNSWICK COUNTY — State recreational water quality officials have lifted swimming advisories for two sound-side sites in Southport after testing showed bacteria levels had fallen below state and federal standards.
The advisories covered the public kayak launch in Cottage Creek at the end of West West Street and the public beach beside the municipal pier at the end of South Davis Street along the Cape Fear River.
Officials issued the advisories Aug. 6 after samples collected Aug. 4 and 5 showed enterococci levels exceeding the recreational water quality standard of 104 bacteria per 100 milliliters of water. Recent samples from both locations showed levels below standards set by the state and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Signs warning against swimming, skiing and other contact with the water have been removed.
Enterococci are found in the intestines of warm-blooded animals. Although the bacteria are not known to cause illness, elevated levels can indicate the presence of other organisms that may increase the risk of gastrointestinal illness or skin infections.
The N.C. Recreational Water Quality Program monitors 224 coastal sites, with most tested weekly from April through October. For more information on the N.C. Recreational Water Quality Program or to view a map of testing sites, visit the program’s website here.
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