NORFOLK, Va. – The Norfolk Department of Public Health issued Swimming Advisories for three beaches Tuesday.
On Thursday advisories at East Beach and the beach at 21st Bay Street were lifted.
The advisory for 5th Bay Street was lifted on Friday.
Water sampling and testing conducted at those beaches on Monday found enterococci bacterial levels that exceeded State Water Quality Standards.
The advisories were recalled when the bacterial levels decreased to levels that meet the state standards.
Enterococcal bacteria are a group of indicator organisms used to determine the extent of fecal contamination in recreational waters.
While enterococcal bacteria do not cause illness, scientific studies indicate that their presence is closely correlated to the presence of other disease-causing organisms.
The Environmental Health Division of the Norfolk Department of Public Health samples Ocean View beach waters on a weekly basis from mid-May through mid-October.
People swimming or playing in waters with bacterial levels higher than the state standards have an increased risk of developing gastrointestinal illness.
For additional information on these Swimming Advisories, contact the Norfolk Department of Public Health Environmental Division at 757-683-2712.
