June 4, 2025
Precautionary water quality swimming advisory lifted for Southport waterfront in Brunswick County
MOREHEAD CITY – State recreational water quality officials today lifted a precautionary advisory warning the public against swimming in the Cape Fear River along the waterfront in Southport.
The advisory was posted on May 29 and was caused by the discharge of untreated wastewater into the river due to excess rain and king tide flooding. The advisory against swimming, skiing or otherwise coming into contact with the water has been lifted. Subsequent water testing at the access to the Cape Fear River in downtown Southport shows bacteria levels are below state and federal recreational water quality standards set for swimming and water play.
The advisory issued on May 22 for the public kayak launch in Cottage Creek at the end of W. West Street in Southport remains in effect. State officials will continue testing the area and will remove the sign and notify the public when the bacteria levels fall within the safe swimming standard.
State recreational water quality officials issued the advisory because untreated wastewater can cause adverse health effects such as diarrhea, abdominal cramps and skin infections.
For more information on the N.C. Recreational Water Quality Program or to a view a map of testing sites, visit the program’s website, and follow the program’s social media account.
For More Information
Contact: Erin Bryan-Millush
Phone: 252-515-5613
May 29, 2025
MOREHEAD CITY – State recreational water quality officials today issued a precautionary advisory warning the public against swimming in the Cape Fear River along the waterfront in the city of Southport.
The advisory is due to public health risks resulting from the discharge of untreated wastewater caused by excess rain and king tide flooding, overwhelming the Bay Street wastewater pump station.
Brunswick County Public Utilities investigated the incident and with help from the county, pump trucks were used to mitigate and monitor the issue until flood waters subsided, and operating conditions of the Bay Street pump station returned to normal. The spill has ceased, and it is estimated that the collection system lost approximately 17,000 gallons of untreated sewage.
Wastewater discharges increase the risk that contamination is present in the Cape Fear River and nearby creeks along the Southport waterfront. Adverse health effects such as diarrhea, abdominal cramps and skin infections could occur if people [or animals] swim in these areas, and the public is advised to avoid bodily contact with these waters.
State officials are monitoring the situation and will lift the advisory when bacteriological test results come back within state and federal standards.
For more information on the N.C. Recreational Water Quality Program or to a view a map of testing sites, visit the program’s website, and follow the program’s social media account.
For More Information
Contact: Erin Bryan-Millush
Phone: 252-515-5613
