5-14-08: Test finds high bacteria levels in New River

JACKSONVILLE -- Water quality testing at a site in Onslow County has revealed bacteria levels exceeding the state and the Environmental Protection Agency's recreational water quality swimming standards.

The samples were taken Monday near the N.C. 172 bridge in the New River.

State officials will test the site again today to determine if further action is needed. If the new samples show elevated bacteria counts, state officials will issue a swimming advisory.

The Monday samples showed 453 enterococci per 100 milliliters of water. The state and federal single-sample standard is 276 enterococci per 100 milliliters for that type of swimming area.

Enterococci are found in the intestines of warm-blooded animals, and while they do not cause illness, their presence is closely linked to the presence of other disease-causing organisms. People who play or swim in waters with bacteria levels higher than the state and federal standards have a higher risk of developing gastrointestinal illness or skin infections.