BRUNSWICK COUNTY — According to state officials, a portion of Holden Beach is under a water-quality advisory, due to officials finding levels of bacteria in excess of the state’s and Environmental Protection Agency’s standards.
The advisory has been issued at the the public beach access at the end of Jordan Boulevard.
Water normally tests on a monthly average 35 enterococci per 100 milliliters of water. Recent reports are showing 37 enterococci per 100 milliliters, based on five samples taken within a 30-day period.
The bacteria is found in the intestines of warm-blooded animals and could indicate the presence of other disease-causing organisms, according to officials.
“People swimming or playing in waters with bacteria levels higher than the standards have an increased risk of developing gastrointestinal illness or skin infections,” a release from the state noted.
The beach is not closing; however, signs will be posted within 200 feet of the advisory area informing swimmers the level of contamination could be hazardous to their health.
A state lab will run tests of the water and inform the public before the advisory is lifted and signs removed.
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