State recreational water quality officials have lifted a swimming advisory for a sound-side site in Dare County. The decision follows water testing results indicating that bacteria levels have decreased below the standards set by both the state and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for safe swimming and water activities.
The advisory was initially issued on June 10 at Colington Harbour’s sound-side swimming area, located at the end of Colington Drive in Kill Devil Hills. Initial tests revealed that enterococci bacteria levels exceeded the EPA’s threshold of 35 enterococci per 100 milliliters of water, which is considered unsafe for high-use sites. However, recent tests show that these levels have now fallen below this standard, leading to the removal of signs advising against swimming or contact with the water.
Enterococci are used as indicators in testing because they originate from warm-blooded animals’ intestines. Although not directly harmful, their presence may suggest other disease-causing organisms could be present. Exposure to waters with elevated bacteria levels can increase risks of gastrointestinal illnesses or skin infections.
North Carolina’s coastal recreational waters are typically clean, but continuous monitoring is essential to identify and address any localized issues promptly. The N.C. Recreational Water Quality Program conducts regular sampling at 223 coastal sites across the state, predominantly on a weekly basis from April through October.
Further details about the N.C. Recreational Water Quality Program and maps of testing locations can be accessed via their website and social media platforms.
