An advisory has been issued against swimming at a sound-side site in Dare County, North Carolina. This decision follows findings by state recreational water quality officials indicating bacteria levels in the water that surpass both state and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards for recreational water quality.
The advisory specifically pertains to the sound-side swimming area located in Colington Harbour, at the end of Colington Drive in Kill Devil Hills. Recent test results from water samples revealed a running monthly average of 38 enterococci per 100 milliliters of water. This figure exceeds the allowable state and federal standard, which is a running monthly average of 35 enterococci per 100 milliliters based on five samples collected over a 30-day period.
Enterococci are bacteria typically found in the intestines of warm-blooded animals. While they do not directly cause illness, their presence may indicate other disease-causing organisms. Individuals who swim or engage in activities in waters with elevated bacteria levels face an increased risk of gastrointestinal illnesses or skin infections.
It is important to note that this advisory does not equate to a beach closure and does not impact the entire Kill Devil Hills area. The advisory is specific to waters within 200 feet of where the sign is posted. 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 remove the advisory once bacteria levels fall below established standards.
Recreational water quality officials conduct sampling at 222 sites across the coastal region, predominantly on a weekly basis from April through October, with testing occurring less frequently during other months when fewer individuals are present in the water.
For additional details about the N.C. Recreational Water Quality Program or to access a map of testing sites, individuals are encouraged to visit the program’s website and follow its social media accounts.
