Swimming Advisories Issued for Ocean View Beaches Likely Due to Recent Heavy Rains

NORFOLK, Va. - The Norfolk Department of Public Health has issued Swimming Advisories for nine Ocean View Beaches: East Community Beach, 5^th Bay, Capeview, North Community Beach, Ocean View Park, Sarah Contant, 10^th View, 13^th View, and Captain's Quarters. Water testing conducted yesterday revealed enterococci bacteria levels at these sites exceeding State Water Quality Standards. It is believed that these exceedances are related to recent heavy rainfall events. Signs have been posted to alert the public of these advisories. Health officials will conduct further testing today and expect levels to decrease before the 4^th of July holiday weekend. If levels remain above State Water Quality Standards today, advisories may be posted through the weekend. NDPH will update the public tomorrow afternoon on the status of these advisories.

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 late-May through mid-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 further information, call the Environmental Health Division, Norfolk Department of Public Health, at 757-683-2712. For information about the Virginia Department of Health's Beach Monitoring Program, current swimming advisory maps, and helpful tips about recreational water safety, please visit: https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/waterborne-hazards-control/beach-monitoring/