WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH — A water quality swimming advisory is in place in Wrightsville Beach’s Banks Channel after testing showed high levels of bacteria.
The advisory only impacts the Banks Channel public access at the corner of Waynick Boulevard and Nathan Avenue; a warning sign for swimmers has been posted. Swimming is not recommended within 200 feet of the sign, though the beach will remain open.
Five water samples taken over a 30-day period indicate a monthly average of 56 enterococci per 100 milliliters of water, which is above the state and federal limits of 35 enterococci per 100 milliliters of water.
Enterococci is a bacteria found in the intestines of warm-blooded animals and while not inherently dangerous on its own, its presence typically indicates that other disease-causing organisms are in close proximity.
Those who swim in contaminated waters during advisory are at increased risk of gastrointestinal illness or skin infections.
Water testing will continue as state officials monitor the bacteria levels. Once it is safe to swim again, the sign will be removed and the public will be notified.
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