Swim advisories in Virginia Beach and Norfolk have been lifted after bacteria levels measured below state standards.
Swimming and wading is now permissible at the following Virginia Beach areas:
• Sandbridge Beach from Perch Lane to Bass Street
• Croatan Beach Park to Aqua Lane
• the Oceanfront from 8th Street to 22nd Street
• Kendall Street to Rockbridge Road
• Mortons Road to the end of Ocean View Avenue
Swimming and wading is now permissible at the following Norfolk areas:
• 5th Bay
• North Community Beach
• Ocean View Park
• 10th View
• 13th View
Yesterday, officials announced that enterococci levels were too high. The Virginia Department of Health measures public waters regularly for enterococci bacteria during the warmer months. Enterococci bacteria are a group of organisms used to measure fecal contamination in recreational waters. While they do not cause illness, the health department reports their presence is “closely correlated to the presence of other disease-causing organisms.”
People swimming or playing in waters with higher bacteria levels have an increased risk of developing gastrointestinal illness.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, bacteria can be introduced to waters in a variety of ways, including wastewater treatment plants, leaking septic systems, stormwater runoff, sewage discharged or dumped from recreational boats, domestic animal and wildlife waste, improper land application of manure or sewage, and runoff from pastures.
Eliza Noe, eliza.noe@virginiamedia.com
