Colington Harbour (27948) – Health Alert: Swimming Advisory Issued for Colington Harbour After High Bacteria Levels Detected – IMMEDIATE WARNING

Colington Harbour (27948) – Residents and visitors of Colington Harbour in Dare County, North Carolina, are being urged to avoid swimming after state officials detected dangerously high levels of bacteria in the water. The advisory, issued Tuesday morning by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ), follows routine water quality sampling that revealed bacterial concentrations exceeding state and federal safety standards.

According to the NCDEQ, the water tested positive for elevated levels of enterococci, a bacteria that can indicate the presence of fecal contamination. Exposure to these conditions can cause gastrointestinal illness, skin rashes, ear infections, and more severe complications in vulnerable populations, including young children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems.

Officials emphasize that the advisory applies specifically to Colington Harbour’s public swimming areas and private docks within the tested zone. While boating and fishing are still permitted, residents are advised to avoid direct contact with the water until follow-up testing confirms safe levels.

Environmental specialists suspect recent heavy rainfall contributed to stormwater runoff, which can carry pollutants from streets, septic systems, and animal waste into waterways. Additional testing is scheduled later this week, with results expected within 48–72 hours.

Key Facts

• BREAKING: High bacteria levels detected in Colington Harbour waters

• IMPACT: All swimmers and water recreationists at risk; advisory until further notice

• OFFICIAL SOURCE: “Bacteria levels pose an increased health risk for swimmers.” – Jill Howell, NCDEQ spokesperson

• ACTION: Avoid swimming or wading in affected waters until cleared by NCDEQ

Hyperlocal Impact

1. Precise Location:
   Colington Harbour (27948) – Near Colington Drive and the community boat ramp

2. Community Connection:
   “We love swimming here in summer, so this is a big disappointment.”
   – Mark Dawson, Colington Harbour resident

Exclusive Angle

• WHY THIS MATTERS NOW:
  This is the third swimming advisory issued in Dare County in 2025, with environmental groups warning that warmer temperatures and heavier rain events are worsening bacterial contamination risks along the Outer Banks.

Update Log

• 9:15 AM: NCDEQ announces swimming advisory following test results

• 11:00 AM: Advisory signs posted at key public access points

• 3:45 PM: Follow-up water testing scheduled for Thursday morning