State recreational water quality officials today lifted a water quality alert for a Dare County Strait swimming area.

The warning was lifted because water tests showed bacteria levels had fallen below limits set by the state and Environmental Protection Agency for swimming and water play.

The warning was issued on August 14 for Pamlico Sound at the Sandy Bay Sound access near Frisco along the Cape Hatteras National Seashore. Test results from water samples taken on August 12, 13, 14 and 20 showed bacteria levels above 104 enterococci per 100 milliliters of water, the standard for coastal recreational waters. Test results from water samples from the site now show bacteria levels below state and federal recreational water quality standards.

The sign advising against swimming, skiing or any other contact with the water has been removed.

Enterococci, the group of bacteria used for the tests, are found in the intestines of warm-blooded animals. Although not known to cause disease, scientific studies show that enterococci can indicate the presence of other disease-causing organisms. People who swim or play in waters with bacteria levels above the limit are at increased risk of developing gastrointestinal illness or skin infections.

North Carolina’s coastal waters are generally clean, but it’s important to continue monitoring them and staying informed of local problems. The NC Recreational Water Quality Program samples 221 locations in the state’s coastal waters, most of them weekly from April through October.

For more information about the NC Recreational Water Quality Program and a map of testing locations, visit the program website. Follow the instructions Twitter feed of the program.