Swimming advisory issued for Wrightsville Beach after elevated bacteria levels detected
NEW HANOVER COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — State officials have issued a swimming advisory for a portion of Banks Channel in Wrightsville Beach after water testing found bacteria levels above state and federal recreational water quality standards.
The advisory applies to the sound-side public access at the corner of Waynick Boulevard and Sunset Avenue in Wrightsville Beach. According to the North Carolina Recreational Water Quality Program, water samples collected over the past 30 days showed a running monthly average of 56 enterococci per 100 milliliters of water, exceeding the state and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency standard of 35 enterococci per 100 milliliters.
Enterococci are bacteria commonly found in the intestines of warm-blooded animals. While the bacteria themselves are not typically known to cause illness, they can indicate the presence of other harmful microorganisms. Health officials say swimming or playing in water with elevated bacteria levels may increase the risk of gastrointestinal illness or skin infections.
Officials emphasized that the advisory is not a beach closure and does not apply to the entire Banks Channel. The advisory affects waters within 200 feet of the posted warning sign at the public access.
The advisory sign warns visitors that swimming in the area is not recommended because bacteria testing indicates contamination levels that may pose a health risk.
State recreational water quality officials will continue monitoring the site and will remove the advisory once bacteria levels fall below state and federal standards.
The North Carolina Recreational Water Quality Program monitors 224 coastal sites, with most locations sampled weekly from April through October. Testing continues on a reduced schedule during the remainder of the year when fewer people are using coastal waters.
Officials encourage beachgoers to check current swimming advisories before entering the water, especially following heavy rainfall, which can contribute to elevated bacteria levels.
