After testing water samples for bacteria, the Peninsula Health District issued a swim advisory Wednesday for several beaches in Newport News along the James River.
The beaches include Hilton Park Beach, Huntington Park Beach, King-Lincoln Park Beach and Anderson Beach.
Signs alerting the public of the advisory are posted at the beaches. They read in part, “Swimming not advised until further notice.”
Waters that people swim in are monitored for bacteria through the summer, according to a news release from the health district. Health officials test for organisms such as enterococci, which correlate with the presence of disease-causing organisms like fecal bacteria.
People swimming or playing in water with high bacteria levels have an increased risk of developing a gastrointestinal illness.
Samples collected Tuesday showed bacteria levels in the water exceeded the state water quality standard. Additional samples were collected Wednesday; results should be available Thursday.
Health officials will remove the signs and notify the public when bacteria levels are back to an acceptable level.
Cianna Morales, 757-957-1304, [email protected]
