Is Emerald Woods sound-side public access near Burden Channel safe to swim?

As of July 19, 2026, Emerald Woods sound-side public access near Burden Channel in Carteret County, North Carolina is clear to swim. Blue-green algae are not currently monitored at this water. No fecal-bacteria advisory is posted (state beach program). Rainfall over the past week totaled 0.5 in, which can wash bacteria and nutrients into the water.

How this read is built

Emerald Woods sound-side public access near Burden Channel is a lake in Carteret County, North Carolina. Blue-green algae are not currently monitored at this water.

Blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) blooms are most common from midsummer into early fall, when the water is warm, calm, and rich in nutrients from runoff. They can produce toxins that make people sick and can be rapidly fatal to dogs, so skip water that looks green, scummy, or like spilled paint, and keep children and pets out of it.

Is it safe to swim in Emerald Woods sound-side public access near Burden Channel right now?

Emerald Woods sound-side public access near Burden Channel is clear to swim today. Blue-green algae are not currently monitored at this water. Conditions can change quickly with wind, heat, and rain, so check the posted signs and look at the water before you get in.

Does Emerald Woods sound-side public access near Burden Channel have blue-green algae (cyanobacteria)?

Blue-green algae are not currently monitored at Emerald Woods sound-side public access near Burden Channel. Watch for green, blue-green, or paint-like scum and avoid the water if you see it.

Can dogs swim in Emerald Woods sound-side public access near Burden Channel?

No bloom is detected at Emerald Woods sound-side public access near Burden Channel today, but dogs are much more vulnerable to blue-green algae than people, and blooms can form within hours. Always keep dogs away from water that looks green, scummy, or discolored, and rinse them off after swimming.

How many North Carolina lakes and beaches have swim advisories today?

Today, 13 North Carolina waters are under a swim advisory and 113 more warrant caution, out of 255 monitored waters SwimZone tracks in the state.

How is Emerald Woods sound-side public access near Burden Channel's water quality measured?

SwimZone builds this read from EPA CyAN satellite imagery for blue-green algae, official beach and fecal-bacteria advisories where a program monitors Emerald Woods sound-side public access near Burden Channel, and a recent-rainfall overlay, all refreshed daily. It was last updated July 19, 2026.