Health officials have issued a No Swim Advisory for a cove on Lake Norman after approximately 700 gallons of untreated sewage may have leaked into the water near 4686 Eagle Point Lane in Denver.
The Lincoln County Health Director announced the advisory Tuesday afternoon, warning residents to avoid swimming or any bodily contact with the affected area due to elevated levels of fecal coliform bacteria. Officials say the contamination poses potential health risks until testing confirms that bacteria levels have returned to safe limits.
According to county officials, the leak occurred when a utility crew accidentally bored into a marked low-pressure line at a nearby property on 4655 Eagle Point Lane. The spill caused untreated wastewater to enter an unnamed cove off Lake Norman, prompting an immediate response from environmental and public health teams.
The Killian Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant is currently collecting and testing water samples to determine contamination levels. Warning signs have been placed around the affected area, and the results will be sent to the Lincoln County Public Utilities Department, which will notify the Health Department once conditions are deemed safe.
The public will be allowed to resume water activities in the cove only after laboratory results confirm that fecal coliform counts meet the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s acceptable risk standards.
Until further notice, officials urge residents and visitors to avoid swimming, boating, or fishing in the impacted section of Lake Norman.
