MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. — Channel 9 has reported on several water advisories at Myrtle Beach this summer, and now the city has changed its policy in an effort to not scare off tourists.
[Link: South Carolina beach access and water quality guide]
On Tuesday, city leaders met with the Department of Health and Environmental Control. They decided to make advisories clearer by labeling them short-term and providing explanations for how small an area is affected.
Officials said visitors will see more advisories this year because of a change in protocol. In the past, crews would perform a retest if there was a high bacteria level, but that test is no longer required.
“If there is an elevated bacteria level, which is usually from wildlife, or from pet waste, then we'll report that,” said Mark Kruea, spokesman for the city.