Swimming advisory lifted for New Hanover County

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Waters off the coast of New Hanover County are safe again for swimming following advisories issued after Hurricane Florence, according to North Carolina Department of Environment Quality.

In a release Saturday, the N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries’ Recreational Water Quality Program tested waters samples from established ocean swimming sites from Fort Fisher State Park through Wrightsville Beach and found that bacteria levels do not exceed the standards.

“A swimming alert remains in effect for coastal rivers and sounds south of Ocracoke Island, ocean waters in Brunswick County, and the public beach access just west of the junction of Coast Guard Road and Inlet Drive in Emerald Isle. Residents and visitors, including fishermen, who cannot avoid contacting these waters should exercise caution, limit wound exposure, and thoroughly wash their hands,” the release states.

The Recreational Water Quality Program will continue testing in these other coastal areas.

DEQ warned ahead of the storm and after Florence that its historic rain could cause high levels of bacteria in the water that can make people sick.

“Floodwaters and storm water runoff can contain pollutants such as waste from septic systems, sewer line breaks, pet waste, wildlife, petroleum products and other chemicals,” the release said.

NCDEQ says because waters affected by the storm are so widespread, signs are not posted.

Recreational Water Quality Program has a live map noting sites for water quality advisories.