NewsHealth

Actions

Swimming advisories lifted at two Newport News beaches

Posted at 4:53 PM, May 22, 2019
and last updated 2019-05-24 08:49:59-04

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – Swimming advisories were issued Wednesday for Hilton and Huntington Beaches in Newport News.

On Friday those advisories were lifted.

According to the Peninsula Health District, samples collected Tuesday showed that bacteria levels in the water exceeded the state water quality standard.

Results from re-sampling showed bacteria levels in the water at Hilton and Huntington beaches meet state water quality standards.

Recreational waters are monitored for bacteria routinely during the summer swimming season, using indicator organisms such as enterococci, the indicator of choice for estuarine and marine waters.

Enterococci are a group of organisms used to determine the amount of fecal contamination of recreation water. They do not cause illness, but research shows when enterococci are present, other disease-causing organisms may be as well.

People swimming or playing in waters with bacteria levels higher than the standard have an increased risk of developing gastrointestinal illness.

Signs were posted at the beaches to alert the public of the advisory. The signs read, “Warning swimmers – bacteria levels do not meet state water quality standards, swimming not advised until further notice.”

Download the News 3 app for updates.