Nine swimming advisories lifted in New Hanover County

NEW HANOVER COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — State recreational water quality officials Wednesday lifted four water quality swimming advisories and nine alerts in New Hanover County. However, there are still some places that are off-limits.

They said water testing shows that enterococci bacteria levels have dropped in the following areas below the state’s and the Environmental Protection Agency’s standards set for swimming.

Public access between Snyder and Seashore streets
Public access between Taylor and Bellamy streets
Public access approximately 150 yards north of Iula Street
Public beach access at the corner of Waynick Boulevard and Sunset Avenue
Banks Channel off Waynick Boulevard in Wrightsville Beach
Ocean pier at Nathan Street and Lumina Drive in Wrightsville Beach
Stone Street public access in Wrightsville Beach
North end of Wrightsville Beach at the public access #2 of Lumina Drive
Public access at Avenue F in Kure Beach
Public access at Avenue H in Kure Beach
Ocean pier at Avenue K in Kure Beach
Public access at the Hanby Beach storm drain in Hanby Beach
Public beach access at Hemlet Avenue in Carolina Beach

However, a precautionary advisory issued Tuesday remains in effect for all sound-side waters in New Hanover County other than Banks Channel. You’ll want to avoid swimming in the sounds, rivers and bays as stormwater runoff from recent heavy rainfall and extreme tidal conditions might cause excessive bacteria.

Enterococci, the name for the group of bacteria used for testing, are found in the intestines of warm-blooded animals. While the bacteria group’s presence does not cause illness itself, scientific studies show that they’re closely correlated to the presence of other organisms that might cause illness. People swimming in water with bacteria levels higher than the standards have an increased risk of developing gastrointestinal illness.