Update: The swimming advisory issued for Ocean View between 10th Bay and 24th Bay Streets has now been lifted.
Norfolk, Va. - The Norfolk Department of Public Health has issued a "Swimming Advisory” for the area between 10th Bay and 24th Bay Streets, in the Ocean View section of the city.
Water sampling and testing conducted Monday revealed enterococci bacteria levels that exceed State Water Quality Standards.
Signs are currently being posted to alert the public of this closure. Health officials will continue testing the beach waters and will remove posted signs and notify the public, when the bacteria levels decrease to levels that meet the state standards.
The Environmental Health Division of the Norfolk Department of Public Health samples Ocean View beach water on a weekly basis, during the swimming season, from mid-May through mid-October.
Enterococci bacteria are a group of indicator organisms used to determine the extent of fecal contamination in recreational waters.
While enterococci bacteria do not cause illness, scientific studies indicate that their presence is closely correlated to the presence of other disease-causing organisms. People swimming or playing in waters with bacteria levels higher than the state standards have an increased risk of developing gastrointestinal illness.
For additional information on the closure of Ocean View Beach, contact the Norfolk Department of Public Health Environmental Division at 757-683-2812.
