(Nassawadox, Va.) The Northampton County Health Department has issued a swimming advisory for the Cape Charles Town Beach in Cape Charles Virginia. Beach water samples collected on June 12, 2018 by the Virginia Department of Health showed that bacteria levels in the water exceeded the State Water Quality Standards.
Recreational waters are monitored for bacteria using indicator organisms such as enterococci, the indicator of choice for estuarine and marine waters. “The coastal waters of Virginia are generally very clean, and we test them frequently to confirm this,” said Environmental Health Manager, Jon Richardson. “On the occasions when waters do fail to meet the standards, we need to protect public health by letting residents and visitors know.”
Signs have been posted at the Cape Charles Town Beach alerting the public of the advisory. The sign reads:
Warning! Swimming Advisory
Bacteria Levels Do Not Meet State Water Quality Standards
Swimming Not Recommended Until Further Notice
Health officials will continue testing the site, and they will remove the signs and notify the public again when the bacteria levels decrease to levels that meet the standard. Environmental health officials sample Cape Charles Town Beach on a weekly basis during the swimming season from late May to early September.
Enterococci are a group of organisms used to determine the extent of fecal contamination of recreational waters. While they do not 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 standard have an increased risk of developing gastrointestinal illness.
“We encourage the public to protect their health by complying with this advisory,” said Richardson. “Typically, an advisory of this nature is temporary and will be withdrawn once the bacteria levels have returned to a safe level.”
For additional information on beach advisories, contact the Accomack County Health Department at (757)787-5886, or the Northampton County Health Department at (757) 442-6228. To learn more about the beach water monitoring program in Virginia visit http://www.vdh.virginia.gov/environmental-epidemiology/beach-monitoring/. For more information about recreational water swimming safety visit the website www.swimhealthyva.com.
Sitting in The Seafood Eatery looking west , I have noticed the commercial clam beads have expanded from the Kings Creek channel on the north to the Cape Charles public beach on the south . That’s a positive accomplishment for all of us . The shellfish industry revival is a miracle that I never dreamed of seeing . It’s good for everyone .
I am very concerned that this prosperity will come crashing down if The City does not solve the beach pollution problem first .
is this coming from the “coal” ships in the Bay? Does anyone check the waters immediately surrounding those boats? Do they check their systems for treating and disposing of the sewage they generate? Who is responsible for them…Norfolk, Eastern Shore? Coast Guard? Who?
Your swimming in your own poop if you live in cape charles. Do do plant. 11,000,000 joke. Signed Mr. Hankie
Why hasn’t the Town Council approved a budget to build bath houses at the beach. We need 2 – one halfway between the south end bath house and one at the north end of beach. For God sake’s Jeb Brady built the one at the south end of the beach as an Eagle Scout Project. How much could it cost. Maybe we need some Boy Scouts to show the Town Council the way. What did we elect them for if they can’t solve simple problems?
Most of beaches around the Hampton Roads area have limited closures after heavy rains. The rains flushs contaminates from agricultural fields, streets, failing septic systems, etc., into the bay. People should realize that swimming after heavy rains is not good a idea. Natural issues such as a flock of migrating birds could cause high baterial levels. Relax, take a deep breath, and don’t over think things.