NORFOLK, Va. - The Norfolk Department of Health has lifted swimming advisories at five beaches.
The swimming advisories were issued due to high levels of bacteria found in the water.
Beaches included under the advisory were the area from Capeview Avenue through North Community Beach, Ocean View Park and the section of beach between 10th View and 13th View Streets.
Water sampling and testing conducted Tuesday showed enterocci bacteria levels that exceeded state water quality standards. Enterocci bacteria are commonly found in the feces of warm-blooded animals, including humans.
New water samples have revealed the bacteria levels at the sites are now within State Water Quality Standards.
While enterocci bacteria does not cause illness, people swimming or playing in waters with bacteria levels higher than the state standards have an increased risk of getting sick.
Signs that were posted to alert the public of the advisories have been removed.
The Environmental Health Division of the Department of Public Heath samples Ocean View beach water on a weekly basis during swimming season, from mid-May to mid-October.
For additional information on these Swimming Advisories, contact the Norfolk Department of Public Health Environmental Division at 757-683-2712.
