NORFOLK, Va. — Early Wednesday afternoon, health officials lifted swimming advisories in Norfolk, Hampton and Newport News on Tuesday due to water quality issues.
In Norfolk, the advisory spanned East Community Beach, 5th Bay, Capeview, North Community Beach, Ocean View Park, Sarah Contant, 10th View, 13th View and Captain’s Quarters.
In Hampton, advisories were applied to Buckroe Beach South by the James T. Wilson Fishing Pier, according to the city's health district.
Meanwhile over in Newport News, an advisory issued for Hilton Park Beach and Anderson Park Beach on Tuesday was lifted at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday.
The advisories from local Virginia Department of Health (VDH) districts come after water quality tests revealed bacteria levels that exceeded state standards. According to the Norfolk Department of Public Health, the cause is believed to be recent heavy rainfall.
Health officials have since collected additional samples to see if bacteria levels have dropped. With lower levels detected the advisory was lifted.
Health officials test the water for enterococci, organisms used to determine if swimming waters have fecal contamination. While the organisms don't cause sickness, their presence correlates to the presence of organisms that cause disease.
For more information about swimming advisories, visit VDH's website.
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