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The original item was published from 8/21/2018 5:09:35 PM to 8/29/2018 12:00:02 AM.
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Posted on: August 21, 2018[ARCHIVED] Swimming Advisories issued for Four Ocean View Beaches
The Norfolk Department of Public Health has issued Swimming Advisories for the following four Ocean View beaches: East Community Beach, 5th Bay St, Capeview Ave, and North Community Beach.
NORFOLK, VA – The Norfolk Department of Public Health has issued Swimming Advisories for the following four Ocean View beaches: East Community Beach, 5th Bay St, Capeview Ave, and North Community Beach. Water testing conducted today revealed enterococci bacteria levels at these sites exceeding State Water Quality Standards. Signs have been posted to alert the public of these advisories. Health officials will continue testing beach waters and will remove posted signs and notify the public when the bacteria levels decrease to meet state standards.
The Environmental Health Division of the Norfolk Department of Public Health samples Ocean View beach water on a weekly basis, during the swimming season, from mid-May through the end of September. Enterococci bacteria are a group of indicator organisms used to determine the extent of fecal contamination in recreational waters.
While enterococci bacteria do not generally cause illness, scientific studies indicate that their presence is closely correlated to the presence of other disease-causing organisms. People swimming or playing in waters with bacteria 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 Health Division at 757-683-2712.