As families prepare for Labor Day beach trips, health officials are warning swimmers to be cautious along North Carolina’s coast. Nearly 10 recreation sites recently failed water quality testing for fecal bacteria, and five coastal locations in three counties remain under swim advisories after bacteria levels exceeded state and federal safety standards.
Warnings and Health Risks
The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality reported that contaminated sites include parts of Bogue Sound near Morehead City in Carteret County. Officials advise swimmers that entering the water at these locations could increase the risk of gastrointestinal illness, rashes, or infections. Cloudy, discolored, or foul-smelling water often signals unsafe conditions.
Similar concerns extend beyond North Carolina. From Florida to Maine, beaches have posted warnings this week due to high levels of fecal bacteria linked to human or animal waste. Nationwide, nearly two-thirds of tested beaches in 2024 recorded at least one unsafe day, according to Environment America.
Local Impacts in North Carolina
Several inland rivers also failed testing, including three popular recreation sites near Raleigh along the Neuse River and Falls Lake. Additional warnings were issued for the Tar River Reservoir in Rocky Mount and multiple sites on the Pamlico River. These issues were worsened by heavy rains and runoff, which often carry bacteria into waterways.
Hurricane Erin further complicated conditions by causing erosion and storm surge along the Outer Banks, where officials are already preparing for rough surf and rip currents.
Broader Trends and Statistics
Environment America’s report highlighted widespread challenges with water quality. On the East Coast, 54% of tested beaches exceeded safety thresholds at least once, while Gulf Coast beaches reported 84%. In North Carolina, specific sites like Cape Hatteras’ Ramp 23 and Southport’s Cape Fear River access tested unsafe more than 20% of the time.
Looking Ahead
The advisories do not close beaches but caution swimmers to weigh the dangers that could be in the waters around North Carolina beaches. With thousands expected along the coast this holiday weekend, health officials emphasize vigilance. Avoid swimming after heavy rains, and always heed posted advisories.
