No-swimming advisory issued for part of Lake Norman

A no-swimming advisory was issued Wednesday for a section of Lake Norman in Denver, N.C., after 1,000 gallons of sewage spilled into a cove off Smith Harbour Drive, off N.C. 16 north of Unity Church Road.

A mechanical failure at a lift station in the Smithstone subdivision caused the spill, Lincoln County Health Director Margaret Dollar said. Dollar issued the no-swim advisory at 11:30 a.m.

The mechanical failure was reported at 9:50 a.m., and a crew from the Lincoln County Public Works Department stopped the spill within 20 minutes, Dollar said.

“No Swimming” advisory signs were posted, and water testing began at 11 a.m.

As a preventive measure, Dollar advised residents and boaters that the spill area might be contaminated with fecal coliform bacteria.

Lincoln County Public Works will continue water testing and will notify the health department and public when it is clear to resume lake activities.

This story was originally published September 30, 2015 at 1:41 PM with the headline "No-swimming advisory issued for part of Lake Norman."