Swimming alert issued for two areas in Banks Channel

WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH, NC (WWAY) — Levels of bacteria found at two sound-site sites in Wrightsville Beach exceed the state’s and Environmental Protection Agency’s recreational water quality swimming standards.

Both alerts are for waters in Banks Channel off Waynick Boulevard in Wrightsville Beach. The first is for the public access between Snyder and Seashore streets, the second is for the public access between Taylor and Bellamy streets. Tests of water samples collected yesterday show bacteria levels that exceed the state and federal single-sample standard of 104 enterococci per 100 milliliters for Tier 1 high-usage sites. Swimming areas are classified based on recreational use and are referred to as tiers.

State officials will test the sites again today, and the results of the sampling will determine what happens next.

If the new samples also show elevated bacteria counts, state officials will post a swimming advisory sign and issue a swimming advisory.

The N.C. Recreational Water Quality Program tests water quality at ocean and sound beaches in accordance with federal and state laws.

Enterococci, the bacteria group used for testing, are found in the intestines of warm-blooded animals. While it does not cause illness, scientific studies indicate that enterococci may indicate the presence of other disease-causing organisms.

People swimming or playing in waters with bacteria levels higher than the standards have an increased risk of developing gastrointestinal illness or skin infections.