The town of Emerald Isle is still under a boil water advisory.

The advisory could be lifted as early as this morning, depending on test results, according to Bogue Banks Water Corporation, which serves the area.

The boil water advisory went into effect Wednesday after total coliform bacteria was detected in routine water samples from the system, according to a press release from Carteret County Health Department Director Dr. J. T. Garrett.

The bacteria itself is generally not harmful, according to the release, but is an indicator that potentially harmful microorganisms may be present.

Residents, visitors and businesses are advised not to consume water directly from the tap and use bottled water or boil water prior to consumption as a precaution. Boiling water for one minute should kill any harmful organisms that may be present, according to the health department. Infants younger than 6 months old and pregnant women should use an alternate water supply, such as bottled water, when possible.

Restaurants and graded establishments have their own requirements to follow. Those measures include:

• Disconnect, empty and drain ice machines and fountain machines and ice dispensers. Clean and sanitize with one tablespoon of bleach per gallon of water.
• Discard any beverages or foods made with contaminated water, and use bottled water.
• Soak all dishes and eating utensils with hot, soapy water, rinsed in hot water and allowed to soak in 50-ppm bleach solution for at least 2 minutes before air-drying.
• Wash hands with anti-bacterial soap, rinse and follow with hand sanitizer gel.

Ballyhoos Island Sports Grill in Emerald Isle will remain open during the advisory. Its staff is following the safety measures provided by the health department, according to its owner.

"Some restaurants in the area have closed and some remain open - we're serving bottled water and making tea with bottled water," said Owner Sam Shipp, adding that they're also buying ice and using paper products when possible. "But we hope it doesn't continue."

Wallace Gibbs, the manager of Rucker John's in Emerald Isle, said his restaurant has also remained open and has also been boiling and sanitizing and using bagged ice and bottled soda.

Patrons may want to call ahead to make sure other restaurants are open while the boil water advisory is in effect.

The advisory is in effect until further notification. For more information, contact Bogue Banks Water Company at 252-354-3307.