BRUNSWICK COUNTY — After a swimming advisory went into effect last week in Holden Beach, state officials lifted the recommendation as of Thursday.
Water samples have been tested in the oceanside area, located at the Jordan Boulevard public beach access. Results show bacteria levels dropped below North Carolina and the Environmental Protection Agency’s standards for swimming and water play.
The EPA-mandated level is 35 enterococci — found in the intestines of warm-blooded animals — per 100 milliliters of water. Current levels tested below the standard after last week’s advisory noted five samples were showing 37 enterococci per 100 milliliters of water over a 30-day period.
Signs advising against swimming, skiing or other water activities have been removed.
“People swimming or playing in waters with bacteria levels higher than the standards have an increased risk of developing gastrointestinal illness or skin infections,” the release from officials noted.
The N.C. Recreational Water Quality Program samples 215 sites in coastal waters of the state, mostly on a weekly basis from April through October.
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