No Swim Zones in North Carolina 2025

Warnings Stretch from Raleigh Rivers to Coastal Beaches

In North Carolina, rising levels of fecal bacteria have triggered swimming advisories across both inland rivers and coastal recreation sites. As of this week, nine river locations and five coastal spots have exceeded safety thresholds set by state and federal environmental agencies.

Testing by Sound Rivers, a nonprofit environmental group, and the North Carolina Recreational Water Quality Program found elevated E. coli levels at several public access points. The recent spike follows multiple days of heavy rainfall, which often drives runoff containing waste into water bodies.

River Sites in Wake County and Beyond Test Unsafe

In the Raleigh area, three Neuse River locations failed to meet bacterial standards. The impacted sites include the Buffaloe Road location in the capital, the Poole Road canoe launch, and the Highway 50 boat ramp at Falls Lake. Each of these sites tested above acceptable limits for E. coli bacteria.

“Heavy rains flush bacteria-laden runoff into rivers,” Sound Rivers warned in its latest update. This pattern appeared again this week, as stormwater runoff raised contamination levels in numerous testing zones.

Contamination Extends to Eastern NC Rivers

Further east, Sound Rivers reported additional unsafe bacteria levels at two locations along the Neuse River. Pierce’s Creek in Oriental and Brice’s Creek in New Bern both failed this week’s tests. These areas, popular for boating and casual swimming, now pose increased risks for gastrointestinal and skin-related illnesses.

Four more riverside locations near the coast also failed to meet standards:

• Tar River Reservoir in Rocky Mount

• Washington waterfront on the Pamlico River

• Havens Gardens in Bath

• Bonner Point in Bath

These warnings come at a time when river use peaks, drawing locals and tourists alike.

Coastal Counties Issue Warnings in Five Locations

At the coast, the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) issued five separate swim warnings this week in Dare, Carteret, and Beaufort counties. Each of these sites showed elevated enterococci bacteria levels, which often come from human or animal waste.

Carteret County

Officials issued advisories for two areas along the Morehead City waterfront in Bogue Sound. The public access at Sunset Drive and the 16th Street public swimming area both tested above safe limits. State officials released the warnings on Tuesday and have continued monitoring.

Dare County

In Dare County, the public beach access at East Oregon Street in Kill Devil Hills received a warning on Tuesday. The advisory covers a 200-foot area near the testing sign but does not close the beach entirely.

Later in the week, a second warning targeted a popular sound-side location. On Friday, the DEQ advised against swimming at Jockey’s Ridge Sound-side Access in Nags Head.

Beaufort County

On Saturday, state officials issued another advisory for the public access point at Pantego Creek in Belhaven. The spot, located at East Main and Tooley Streets, also exceeded EPA-recommended bacteria levels.

Monitoring and Public Notifications Ongoing

The North Carolina Recreational Water Quality Program tests 224 sites across the coastal region between April and October. Most of these areas are sampled weekly. Officials said they will continue testing until bacteria levels return to acceptable levels, and they will inform the public when it is safe to swim again.

Elevated levels of fecal bacteria pose serious health risks. People exposed to contaminated water can experience stomach cramps, diarrhea, and infections. Pets are also at risk if they ingest or swim in these waters.

Bacteria Runoff and Rainfall: A Repeating Pattern

Environmental groups like Sound Rivers have long pointed to stormwater runoff as a major contributor to bacterial contamination. During heavy rains, water from roads, farms, and lawns picks up animal waste, sewage overflow, and other pollutants, which then flow into rivers and sounds.

This pattern plays out repeatedly during North Carolina’s humid summers, creating cycles of contamination and advisories.

Improving Home Water Quality with Filtration

Residents who live near affected rivers or coastal areas can reduce personal health risks by installing reverse osmosis filtration systems and whole-home water conditioners. Reverse osmosis filters remove contaminants such as bacteria, nitrates, and heavy metals from drinking water. Whole-home water conditioners improve water quality at every tap, protecting plumbing and enhancing safety during boil advisories or contamination events.

These systems offer an extra layer of protection, particularly for households that rely on well water or live near storm-prone waterways.

Source: Fox 8