Carolina Beach and Kure Beach Announce Upcoming Water Quality Initiatives…
The coastal towns of Carolina Beach and Kure Beach, nestled on North Carolina’s Pleasure Island, have long been cherished for their pristine shores, vibrant communities, and commitment to preserving their natural beauty. In a joint statement, local authorities from both towns have outlined a series of initiatives aimed at ensuring the continued high quality of their recreational waters, a critical asset for residents, visitors, and the local economy. These efforts underscore a proactive approach to environmental stewardship, addressing concerns about water quality and coastal sustainability in the face of growing tourism and climate challenges.
**Background on Water Quality Monitoring**
The North Carolina Recreational Water Quality Program, operational since 1997, monitors coastal waters for enterococcus bacteria, an indicator of potential health risks in recreational areas. Carolina and Kure Beaches, with their 221 testing sites, benefit from weekly sampling during the swimming season (April to September). The program ensures that water quality meets EPA standards, protecting swimmers from potential illnesses. Recent data from the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) confirms that both beaches consistently maintain safe water quality levels, with no significant advisories reported in 2025. However, local leaders are not resting on their laurels, recognizing that maintaining these standards requires ongoing vigilance.
**New Initiatives for Water Quality**
The joint statement from Carolina Beach and Kure Beach highlights several key measures to enhance water quality monitoring and protection. First, both towns are increasing collaboration with the DEQ to expand testing frequency at high-use beach areas, particularly near the Kure Beach Fishing Pier and Carolina Beach Boardwalk. This initiative aims to provide real-time data to beachgoers, ensuring immediate action if water quality deviates from safe levels. Additionally, the towns are investing in advanced stormwater management systems to reduce runoff, which can introduce pollutants into coastal waters during heavy rains. This follows the devastating flooding in September 2024, which saw 18 inches of rain inundate the area, highlighting the need for improved infrastructur.
**Community Engagement and Education**
Local authorities are also prioritizing community involvement. Carolina Beach’s Parks and Recreation Department, in partnership with Kure Beach, is launching a public awareness campaign titled “Keep Our Beaches Blue.” This program will educate residents and tourists about the impact of litter, pet waste, and improper waste disposal on water quality. Events at Carolina Beach Lake Park and Ocean Front Park in Kure Beach will feature workshops on coastal conservation, encouraging sustainable practices like proper recycling and reducing single-use plastics. The campaign will also leverage social media platforms, including the Carolina Beach & Kure Beach Community Facebook page, to share updates and engage the public.
**Looking Ahead**
These initiatives reflect Carolina and Kure Beaches’ commitment to preserving their coastal ecosystems while supporting tourism, which drives the local economy. By enhancing monitoring, improving infrastructure, and fostering community involvement, the towns aim to ensure their beaches remain safe and inviting for generations to come. As Mayor Lynn Barbee of Carolina Beach stated, “Our beaches are our greatest asset, and we’re dedicated to keeping them clean and vibrant.” With these proactive measures, both towns are setting a standard for coastal environmental stewardship.
