photo credit: Bobbie // Shutterstock

Its been raining all week in the ENC, leading to flood waters. According to WITN, the North Carolina Marine Fisheries  issued a swimming advisory for all of Dare and Currituck counties because of high amounts of rain and flooding that could lead to excessive bacteria in the coastal waters.

“Waters impacted by these storms can contain elevated levels of bacteria that can make people sick,” said J.D. Potts, manager of the N.C. Recreational Water Quality Program. “Floodwaters and stormwater runoff can contain pollutants such as waste from septic systems, sewer line breaks, wildlife, petroleum products and other chemicals.”

The state says people should avoid swimming in these two counties of the Outer Banks until bacteriological tests show it is safe to do so. Tests are being done once roads are passable and 24 hours after stormwater pumping has ceased.

Written by Clarke Jones