Weekly Swim Guide Test for Eastern NC waters released

WASHINGTON, N.C. (WNCT) — Several sites across Eastern NC failed to pass recreational water quality standards this week in the Swim Guide Test.

Those failing are:

• Pamlico Plantation
• Havens Gardens (Washington)
• Cotton Patch Landing
• Cowpen Landing (Vanceboro)
• Glenburnie Park (New Bern)
• Town of Bridgeton Park
• Slocum Creek (Havelock)

“Last week, we had Tropical Storm Debby to contend with, so we didn’t do any testing,” Sound Rivers Program Director Clay Barber said. “All that heavy rain and stormwater runoff loaded up the waterways with bacteria, and this week’s results at some of the sites are still reflecting that.”

A site failing the test means elevated levels of fecal bacteria are present in the water. These can increase the risk of gastrointestinal illness and skin infections for pets and humans alike.

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