A press release issued by the N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources stated water quality testing in Banks Channel near the Coast Guard Station in Wrightsville Beach showed levels of bacteria exceeding the state and Environmental Protection Agency water quality swimming standards.
Samples collected Monday, May 11, following record rainfalls from Tropical Storm Ana, contained 429 enterococci per 100 milliliters of water, which exceeds the state and federal single-sample standard of 100 enterococci per 100 milliliters.
According to the press release, state officials will test the water again and if bacteria levels are still elevated a swimming advisory sign will be posted.
