The Lincoln County Health Director issued a Swimming Advisory September 30, 2015. A sewage spill of approximately 1,000 gallons occurred due to a mechanical failure at lift station #16 Smithstone Subdivision located at 2392 Smith Harbor Drive in Denver.
The spill leaked into the cove. The mechanical failure was reported at 9:50 am on September 30, 2015. Lincoln County Public Works Department was on the scene at 10:02 am and the spill was stopped at 10:07 am. “No Swimming” advisory signs were posted and water testing began at 11:00 am.
The Lincoln County Public Works Department is taking water samples to determine the level of potential bacterial infection into Lake Norman. As a preventive measure, the Health Director is advising all residents and boaters that this area may be contaminated with fecal coliform. Residents and lake users are advised not to swim or otherwise have bodily contact in that area. Residents in that immediate area will receive a pre-recorded alert message if they are registered with the Lincoln County’s emergency notification system. This release is also being sent to all local media and to the Lincoln County’s website.
Lincoln County Public Works Department will continue water testing and will notify the Lincoln County Health Department and public when it is clear to resume lake activities in this area. Until at least two consecutive samples indicate fecal coliform counts <200/ml at all sampling sites, the swimming advisory will remain in effect. This decision is based on state guidelines per the Mooresville Regional Office of the NC Division of Environmental Management.