
WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH — Water quality officials have detected bacteria levels beyond the state’s and Environmental Protection Agency’s standards in Wrightsville Beach. Thus a swimming advisory is in effect soundside in Banks Channel, at the public access south of the Coast Guard Station. The advisory does not affect Wrighstville Beach as a whole.
Five water samples taken over a 30-day period at the site indicated an average 37 enterococci per 100 milliliters of water. That is higher than state and federal standards of 35 enterococci (bacteria used for testing, found in warm-blooded animal intestines) per 100 milliliters.
“People swimming or playing in waters with bacteria levels higher than the standard have an increased risk of developing gastrointestinal illness or skin infections,” the release stated.
Swimmers should not wade in waters within 200 feet of the signs, which will state:
“ATTENTION
SWIMMING IN THIS AREA IS NOT RECOMMENDED. BACTERIA TESTING INDICATES
LEVELS OF CONTAMINATION THAT MAY BE HAZARDOUS TO YOUR
HEALTH. THIS ADVISORY AFFECTS WATERS WITHIN 200’ OF THIS SIGN.
OFFICE OF THE STATE HEALTH DIRECTOR”
When bacteria levels decrease to levels below state and federal standards, the advisory will be lifted.
More information can be found here.
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