Newport News, Va. – If you were planning to take a swim at Hilton Beach in Newport News, you may have to postpone those plans.
The Peninsula Health Department has issued a swimming advisory for Hilton Beach Park. They say bacteria levels in the water now exceed the state’s standards.
A sign is now posted at the beach alerting visitors about the advisory.
Crews normally monitor the water for bacteria. They will collect more samples today and the results of these tests will be available on Thursday.
When bacteria levels decrease, officials will remove the sign and the public will be notified.
Health officials use a group of organisms called enterococci to determine if there are disease-causing organisms in the water. When bacteria levels are elevated, people swimming in the water could develop gastrointestinal illnesses.
Officials are warning people to please comply with this warning.
