NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – The Peninsula Health District has lifted a swimming advisory Thursday for Hilton Park Beach and Huntington Park Beach.
Water sampling and testing conducted Tuesday showed enterocci bacteria levels that exceeded State Water Quality Standards. Enterocci bacteria are commonly found in the feces of warm-blooded animals, including humans.
A sign was posted at the beach alerting the public of the advisory. The sign read: “Warning swimmers – bacteria levels do not meet state water quality standards, swimming not advised until further notice”.
While enterocci bacteria does not cause illness, people swimming or playing in waters with bacteria levels higher than the state standards have an increased risk of getting sick.
“We encourage the public to protect their health by complying with this advisory,” said Dr. Nzinga Teule-Hekima, Director of the Peninsula Health District. “Typically, an advisory of this nature is temporary and will be withdrawn once the bacteria levels have returned to a safe level.”
