The Virginia Department of Health has issued swimming advisories for nine beaches in Norfolk, one in Hampton and two in Newport News following recent heavy rains which introduced potentially harmful bacteria to the water.
The affected beaches are the portion of Buckroe Beach South at the end of South Resort Road near the James T. Wilson Fishing Pier in Hampton; Hilton Park Beach at 225 River Road and Anderson Park Beach at 1400 16th St. in Newport News; and in Norfolk: East Community Beach, 5th Bay, Capeview, North Community Beach, Ocean View Park, Sarah Contant, 10th View, 13th View and Captain’s Quarters.
Health department lifts swimming advisory for Norfolk, Newport News beaches
These advisories are based on samples collected Monday that found elevated levels of enterococci, which is an indicator of fecal matter in the water, which exceeded Virginia’s water quality standard. Enterococci doesn’t generally cause illness itself but research shows its presence is “closely correlated to the presence of other disease-causing organisms” and puts swimmers at an “increased risk of developing gastrointestinal illness.”
More testing will be done this week. Levels of bacteria are expected to decrease prior to the July Fourth holiday, according to VDH.
“If levels remain above State Water Quality Standards today, advisories may be posted through the weekend,” VDH said in a news release.
Signs have been posted in the relevant beach areas to notify the public of the advisories. Health officials monitor the water of recreational beaches routinely throughout the summer months.
Gavin Stone, 757-712-4806, gavin.stone@virginiamedia.com
