State officials have issued a swimming advisory for a sound-side area in Dare County after water samples showed bacteria levels above state and federal standards. The advisory affects the swimming area in Colington Harbour, located at the end of Colington Drive in Kill Devil Hills.
According to test results, the running monthly average reached 39 enterococci per 100 milliliters of water. This figure is higher than the state and Environmental Protection Agency standard, which sets a limit at a running monthly average of 35 enterococci per 100 milliliters based on five samples taken within 30 days.
Enterococci are bacteria found in the intestines of warm-blooded animals. While not directly linked to illness, their presence can indicate other disease-causing organisms may be present. Swimming or playing in waters with elevated bacteria levels can increase the risk of gastrointestinal illness or skin infections.
Officials clarified that this advisory does not constitute a beach closing and does not affect all of Kill Devil Hills. The warning applies only to waters within 200 feet of the posted sign at Colington Harbour. The sign reads:
“ATTENTION
SWIMMING IN THIS AREA IS NOT RECOMMENDED. BACTERIA TESTING INDICATES
LEVELS OF CONTAMINATION THAT MAY BE HAZARDOUS TO YOUR
HEALTH. THIS ADVISORY AFFECTS WATERS WITHIN 200’ OF THIS SIGN.
OFFICE OF THE STATE HEALTH DIRECTOR”
State authorities will continue testing at this site and will remove the sign when bacteria levels return below regulatory thresholds.
The N.C. Recreational Water Quality Program conducts regular sampling at 224 sites along the coast from April through October, shifting to less frequent testing during colder months when fewer people swim. More information about this program and maps showing current testing locations are available on its official website and social media accounts.
