Ocean water quality is excellent in Myrtle Beach
A couple of short-term water quality advisories issued last week all were lifted as of Friday, June 15. An advisory typically lasts for only a day or two and affects only 400 feet of beach. For example, the two short-term advisories last week affected less than two-tenths of one percent of Myrtle Beach’s oceanfront.
The city and the state both test the ocean waters twice a week. Should a reading come back elevated following a heavy rain, a short-term advisory is posted for 200 feet north and south of that location. The advisory is lifted as soon as water quality returns to normal, which is typically only a day or two. Again, all short-term advisories have been lifted.
The regular testing program confirms that our ocean waters are in excellent health and safe for swimming. A short-term advisory, when issued, is a recommendation against swimming, although it does not prohibit swimming. The Grand Strand has no heavy industry and no point-source pollution, so the only concern is wildlife and pet waste from heavy stormwater (rainfall) runoff.
For more information about beach conditions and safety, visit www.cityofmyrtlebeach.com/i_want_to/learn_about/beach_conditions.php.
For additional information about water quality, visit https://www.visitmyrtlebeach.com/things-to-do/beaches/water-quality/.