A swimming advisory has been issued at a sound-side area in Southport after water test results indicate bacteria levels exceed state and federal recreational water quality standards.
The advisory, issued by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s Recreational Water Quality Program, has been posted at the Brunswick County town’s public kayak launch in Cottage Creek at the end of W. West Street.
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Test results of water samples taken at the site Tuesday and Wednesday indicated bacteria levels of 104 enterococci per 100 milliliters for Tier 2 nondaily use sites, according to a DEQ release.
Enterococci is a bacteria found in the intestines of warm-blooded animals. Anyone swimming or playing in waters with bacteria levels above water quality standards are at increased risk of developing gastrointestinal illness or skin infections.
Swimmers should avoid waters within 200 feet of a posted advisory.
Testing will continue at the stie and the posted advisory sign will be removed once bacteria levels decrease to levels below the standards.
Recreational water quality officials sample more than 200 sites throughout the coastal region on a near weekly basis from April to October. During cooler months, testing continues, but on a reduced schedule.
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For additional information or to view a map of testing sites, visit the program’s website.
