Water quality swimming advisory lifted for sound-side site in New Hanover County

MOREHEAD CITY, NC (WWAY) — State recreational water quality officials have lifted a water quality swimming advisory for a sound-side swimming area in New Hanover County.

The advisory was lifted because water testing shows that bacteria levels have dropped below the state’s and Environmental Protection Agency’s standards set for swimming and water play.

The advisory was posted at the public sound-side access to Myrtle Grove Sound at the end of Florida Avenue in Carolina Beach on July 24. Test results of water samples taken on July 22 and July 23 showed bacteria levels exceeding 104 enterococci per 100 milliliters of water, the standard for recreational use coastal waters. Test results of water samples from the site now show bacteria levels below the state and federal recreational water quality standard.

The sign advising against swimming, skiing or otherwise coming into contact with the water has been removed.