An advisory against swimming has been issued at a sound-side site in Dare County due to high bacteria levels. State recreational water quality officials found that the water at Colington Harbour, located at the end of Colington Drive in Kill Devil Hills, exceeds both state and Environmental Protection Agency standards for recreational water quality.
Testing revealed a running monthly average of 38 enterococci per 100 milliliters of water, surpassing the acceptable standard of 35 enterococci per 100 milliliters. Enterococci are bacteria from the intestines of warm-blooded animals and can indicate the presence of other harmful organisms. “People swimming or playing in waters with bacteria levels higher than the standards have an increased risk of developing gastrointestinal illness or skin infections,” according to officials.
The advisory is specific to waters within 200 feet of a posted sign and does not represent a beach closure nor affect the entire Kill Devil Hills area. 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 officials will continue monitoring the site and will inform the public when conditions improve below threshold levels.
Recreational water quality officials routinely sample 222 sites across coastal regions from April to October, adjusting schedules during off-peak months when fewer swimmers are present.
For more information on testing sites or updates from the N.C. Recreational Water Quality Program, visit their website or follow their social media accounts.
