MOREHEAD CITY — Three advisories and one alert were issued against swimming Thursday at four sound-side sites in Beaufort County.

State recreational water-quality officials found bacteria levels in the water at these sites exceeded state and federal recreational water-quality standards. The elevated bacteria counts are likely the result of polluted floodwaters from recent heavy rains.

The advisories were posted at areas along the Pamlico and Pungo rivers. The first was posted at an access near the end of Christian Service Camp Road, southeast of Austin Point in Washington. The second was posted at the junction of upper Goose Creek and Dinah’s Landing near Washington. The third was posted at the public access at the intersection of East Main and Tooley streets in Belhaven.

Water samples taken Wednesday showed bacteria levels of enterococci that exceed the state and federal single-sample standards.

The alert is for waters along the Pamlico River at the east shore of Blounts Bay near the end of Captain’s Walk Road near Washington. The water sample taken Wednesday at this location also shows bacteria levels of enterococci that exceed the state and federal single-sample standards.

Enterococci, the name for the group of bacteria used for testing, are found in the intestines of warm-blooded animals. While the bacteria group’s presence does not cause illness itself, scientific studies indicate that the presence of enterococci is closely correlated to the presence of other organisms that may cause illness. People swimming or playing in waters with bacteria levels higher than the standards have an increased risk of developing gastrointestinal illness or skin infections.

State officials posted signs at the sites under advisory to notify the public of the risks of swimming in these areas. The advisories are not a beach closing, nor do the advisories affect the entire Pamlico and Pungo river areas. Swimming advisories affect water within 200 feet of the sign.